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T H K 

SOUTHERN MANUFACTURER: 

SHOWING THE 

ADVANTAGES OF 
MmimmifikQtiuiiriirag 5 ttlb* (D^ftfea 

IJ¥ THE FIKIiiffS WHIEE IT IS &EOWM ; 

COMPARED WITH ITS MANUFACTURE 

IN THE EASTERN STATES. 

WITH 

.ESTIMATES FOR BUILDING COTTON MILLS, &c, 



BY E. STEADMAN, 

SUPERINTENDENT OF SUMNER MANUFACTURING COMPANY, GALLATIN, TFNN. 



GALLATIN, 'TE'NN. 
PRINTED BY G R A Y * & BOYERS. 

18 5 8. 









Entered, according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1837, by Gray & 
Boyers, Proprietors, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Uuited 
States for Middle Tennesson 



/s- 









I » R E V A C E . 

In presenting this book to the public, t lie author does not set up 
any claim as a Literary or Scientific writer; but, having informed 
himself as to our vast natural advantages for successful manufactur- 
ing, and particularly onr great Staple, Cotton, and also knowing the 
erroneous views entertained by a large nnijority of our people, in rela- 
tion to labor, and the manner of building and conducting Manufac- 
turing Establishments, I have been induced to present the arguments 
and estimates for the careful examination of an eulighteued public; 
and am fully satisfied, after a full and careful investigation of the sub- 
ject, that my positions will meet an approval; for I claim that the peo- 
ple of the South have advantages for the manufacture of their own 
crop of Cotton, beyond any other people on God's green earth. 

This indeed is an age of progress, and there are no people that 
have advanced more rapidly than the people of the South in the last 
few years. 

For instance, a few years since, the general idea prevailed in the 
South, that an education could only be obtained in the North or in 
Europe for our young ladies and gentlemen. How has the sentiment 
changed ! Now we find Common Schools, Academies, Colleges, and 
Universities established throughout our borders, and gmarally well 
attended; affording all the advantages that may be enjoyed in the 
free States, for acquiring a thorough knowledge of all the profes- 
sions and business relations. And year after year we find the spirit 
of home education increasing. 

A few years since, and we were without Internal Improvements, 
and it was believed by many that Hail Roads were impracticable in 
the South. What a change has occurred within a few short years on 
that subject Now we find many well constructed Hail Itoads, 
affording increased facilities for travel and the transportation of the 
products to market, and a system of Rail Roads now in process of 
construction, connecting all of the Southern States, the commercial 
Cities of the North, and the Pacific. 

A few years since and the prevailing idea among our invalids and 
pleasure seeking devotees was, that they must travel North and 
spend the warm season at some of the celebrated watering places, in 
order to be healed of their maladies, and affording the proper 

v 



VI PREFACE. 

amusements for the fashionable. How has the sentiment changed 
on this subject. Now we find a large number of watering places in 
the South, affording every variety of Mineral water adapted to the 
wants of the afflicted, and the establishments well kept, and afford- 
ing the necessary amusements to the seekers of pleasure. Also pro- 
vided with waiters that are attentive to the wants of the guests, 
without insulting them, as has often been the case at the North by 
the free negroes. We have at these watering places as fine scenery 
and pure Mountain air as can be found on the Continent, all conduc- 
ing to health and pleasure. 

A few years ago the South was without thought, depending on 
the North and Europe for her ideas, on all leading subjects, and 
yielding a willing assent to their absurd opinions, many of which 
had a tendency to keep her in an inferior position in the estimation of 
the enlightened world. How has the sentiment changed. Now we 
find the brightest intellects of the age engaged in directing thought 
in the South : and in short, our people are thinking and acting for 
themselves on all subjects concerning their interest and prosperity. 

A few years since the idea was prevalent that manufacturing and 
the mechanic arts could not succeed in a Southern climate. How 
has the sentiment changed on this important subject. Now we find 
some Cotton manufacturing establishments as well constructed, 
embracing as good machinery, including all the improvements, 
and as judiciously conducted as any in the free States, producing 
fabrics superior to those of the North of the same grade. We find, 
also, that many branches of the mechanic arts are successfully prose- 
cuted, producing work equal to any northern production ; which has 
been demonstrated at our mechanic fairs, and proven by their use. 

The history of the rise and progress of manufacturing by Ark- 
wright's invention, is one of great interest, and when we reflect upon 
what it has accomplished within less than a century, it being 
patented in 1769, and upon which the present system in the civil- 
ized world is based, there being not less than 28,000,000 spindles at 
this time in operation, Great Britain having about 17,500,000 or 
more than half of the whole number. Who is there then, at this 
late period, that presumes to assert that the manufacture of Cotton 
is an experiment. A man would be as justifiable in asserting that 
the planting of Cotton was an experiment, also; and while we admit 
that the Eastern and Northern States of the Union, and the Euro- 
pean States, possess, at this time, some advantages that we, of the 
South, do not, it must also be remembered that all of those advan- 
tages have been acquired, and that they are equally within our reach, 



PREFACE. vi£ 

atid will be acquired by us as we advance iu establishing a correct 
system, and learn the importance of economy in the management of 
our establishments, and the absolute necessity of running only the 
most approved machinery and the importance of keeping it in work> 
ing order. 

With the lights before us, we therefore assert that the South can 
monopolise the manufacture of their crop of Cotton and without any 
detriment to their planting interest, aud thereby make themselves 
independent of those fanatics who are seeking every occasion to 
accomplish their ruin. 



CONTENTS, 



I' AGE: 

CHAPTER 1. — The Advantages of Southern over Northern 

Climate for the Manufacture of Cotton, 9 

CHAPTER II.— Advantages of Southern Manufacturing 
Over Northern, In Point of Location, 
Procuring Stock, &c, 10 

CHAPTER III.— The Extent of the Market for the Sale of 

the Manufactured Articles in the South, 14 

CHAPTER IV.— The Causes of Failure in Mauufacturiug 

in the South, 2» 

CIIAPTEB V.— Ou Practical Manufacturing, 43 

CHAPTER VI— Operatives Can be Obtained at Lower 

Wages in the South than iu the North, 65 

CHAPTER VII.— The Disadvantages Attendant upon South- 
ern Manufacturing, 7-4 

CHAPTER VIII.— Government of Cotton Mills, 78 

CHAPTER IX.— Machine Shop, 87 

CHAPTER X.— Steam against Water Power/ 89 

CHAPTER XL— Mechanics of the South, 92 

CHAPTER XII. — How can the South Become a Manufac- 
turing People, 97 

CHAPTER XIII.— The Results of Manufacturing, 100 

CHAPTER XIV.— A Patent, 111 






vm 



CHAPTER I. 

*S» ADVANTAGES OF SOUTHERN OYER NORTHERN 
CLIMATE FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF COTTON. 

The climate in the South and South-west, is far bettei adapted 
for the manufacture of cotton, than that of the Northern and East- 
ern States, and equal to that of the most favorable points in Great 
Britain. All those who are at all familiar with the practical opera- 
tions of Cotton Mills, are aware that a dry and harsh atmosphere, 
which is general in the Northern and Eastern States, affects the 
fibres of cotton, and causes it to rarefy and waste. When you re- 
flect that there is no textile substance, the fibres of which are so 
susceptible of being spun into fine threads of uniform twist, strength 
and diameter as cotton, you may at once appreciate the force of the 
argument. Cotton derives this property from the smoothness, ten- 
acity, flexibility, elasticity, peculiar length, and spiral form of its 
fibres. These fibres, or lint, vary from l-600th to l-6000th of an 
inch in diameter. Hence, a moist atmosphere causes the cotton 
more readily to adhere. This enables the manufacturer to spin a 
finer, smoother and stronger thread, with less waste, and to run his 
machinery at greater speed with the same labor; and, as a resulting 
consequence, to produce a greater quantity of work on a given 
amount of machinery at no greater expense. 

We need but call your attention to a few leading facts to prove 
that the Southern is a damper atmosphere than the Northern. Our 
greater proximity to the equator, giving the rays of the sun a more 
vertical direction, causes the air to become warmer, and consequent- 
ly, more moist or damper. This is an invariable result unless there 
be something to counteract the heat of the sun; Again, I know 
from experience that the human system in the North is not so open 
as it is in the South, which is the cause of the greater frequency in 
the occurence of suu-strokes in the North than at the South. The 
dry atmosphere in the North keeps locking up the pores and re- 
taining the heat in the system; whereas, at the South, a moist at- 
mosphere, opening the pores, gives free escape to the heat. Fur- 
ther, it is a well known fact, that during the summer season, it ia 
A • 



10 



Very common for mercury to raise higher in New York, Boston and 
Philadelphia, than at New Orleans. This is attributable to the dry* 
ness of the atmosphere at the former cities. 

In proof of the superior adaptation of a damp atmosphere for the 
manufacture of cotton, I give a short extract from an article writ- 
ten by Mr. Akin, a gentleman of considerable ability and observa- 
tion : " I visited," says the author, describing a weaving room of 
the most approved English style, "just such a weaving room as 
this. Its first effect was bewildering. The looms were on No. 40 
printing goods, 76 picks to the inch, and were running at the speed 
of 150 picks per minute — a speed at ichich looms in our dry at* 
mosphere could not be run at all, on similar work. Each weaver 
tended three looms:' Thus I use the same argument to prove th< 
superior advantage of the South over the North, which Mr. Akii 
conceded in favor of England over the Northern States. 

This advantage of climate, in an individual case, to those not very 
conversant with practical manufacturing, might seem of but small 
importance, but when thoroughly examined in all its bearings, by 
men of practical skill, will be found of great advantage, and in the 
ao-oreo-ate will vield to the South very considerable facilities which 
can never be possessed in a more Northern and dryer climate. 



CHAPTEIt II. 

ADVANTAGES OF SOUTHERN MANUFACTURING 
OVER NORTHERN, IN POINT OF LOCATION- 
PROCURING STOCK, &c. 

I will present the subject in a tangible form, and invite the care- 
ful attention of the reader to its correctness. 

A factory located on a plantation where the cotton is grown, has 
the following advantages over one located in the Northern States, 
viz. : 

First, The factory being on a plantation, the cotton can be ginned 
by the same power which propels the machinery of the factory; and 
the hand that would be required in a mill to brake up the cotton 
from the bale, preparatory for the spreader, would be employed at 
I he gin. Hence, the ginning of the cotton would not cost anything, 
when compared with a factory using bale cotton. And I would 



11 

here remark, that a gin and spreader house should be detached from 
the main building, and made fire-proof, as spreader houses are in 
nearly all well regulated establishments, as a larger number of fires 
occur in the spreader room than in any other portion of the mill. 
The value of ginning is estimated at one-twelfth of the labor of the 
crop. And cotton at 9 cents per pound would be per bale $3 
and 75-100th. 

Second, This policy saves to the Southern manufacturer, over 
the Northern, the value of the baling and rope, which averages 20 
pounds to the bale — for which the Northern manufacturer pays as 
much per pound as he does for the cotton, and is worth but little to 
him, as he sells it generally to the paper makers at about one cent 
per pound. Hence, he loses 8 cents per pound on the 20 pounds 
for each bale, making $1 60 loss in all per bale $5 35. It may be 
said that this plan would require a greater amount of capital to con- 
duct the establishment, than one of the same extent where bale cot- 
ton was used, as the manufacturer could purchase cotton in the bale 
as he needed it, and could realize out of his fabrics the means to 
make weekly purchases of stock. All of which I grant. But we 
must bear in mind that such a manufacturer would have to pay a 
broker's profit, which would be greatly over the interest invested in 
a year's supply. But a Southern manufacturer, who would use seed 
cotton, would not be required to lay in more than a six month's sup- 
ply, as the planter is generally six months in getting his crop ready 
for market. Hence, a planter, during six months in the year, could 
turn his seed cotton into cash by the sale of his goods, the same as 
a manufacturer who purchases cotton in the bale. And I would 
here' state that I have received cotton at the gin in a Factory in the 
baskets in which it was picked, and in one week had the thread and 
osnaburgs made and in the market. Again, a planter who would 
manufacture his own crop, would realize as much in six months 
from his fabrics, after paying the current expenses of his factory, 
(if operated by his slaves,) as he could for his whole crop. That is, 
if he raised cotton enough to keep his factory in operation for a year. 
He could, therefore, afford to keep one-half of his crop on hand for 
fix months longer. 

Third, There is another advantage in keeping the cotton on the 
*eed, from the fact that the lint becomes heavier by extracting the 
)il from the seed, which will weigh enough to more than pay the 
interest vested in the seed cotton for six months, and the cotton is 
Jso more susceptible of spinning and weaving when thus kept. 

Another important consideration for a Southern manufacturer, 
a2 



12 

who would gin his cotton in the spreader room of his factory, is that 
he comld use all of his soft waste cotton that was not oily. For tho 
gin can clean it so that the planter could not tell the diiference be- 
tween it and the lint direct from the seed cotton. This is of great 
importance to a manufacturer, from the fact that the flyings are gen- 
erally the better portion of the cotton. I repeat that the gin is the 
best machine now in existence for cleaning waste cotton, and that 
there is not a machine that dan be named in comparison with it for 
that purpose. 

Fourth, The manufacturer, on a plantation where the cotton is 
grown, gets it in a much better condition for working, as any one 
who has noticed cotton on the docks in a Northern seaport, will 
readily grant. A bale of cotton in New York reminds me more of 
a careless and slovenly negro just before Christmas, as to appear- 
ance. It is ragged, patched, rope off, cotton oozing out at various 
places, and generally very muddy, as it has received rains and mud 
upon the banks of our rivers, and has been most roughly handled by 
boatmen and sailors. Hence, the waste in its manufacturing at 
home is far less. This is an important item to an establishment us- 
ing bale cotton. 1st. The Southern manufacturer saves the freights 
and charges paid by his Northern competitor, oh the amount of cot- 
ton consumed by him ; and, therefore, should make that much more, 
all other things being equal. And in order that we may arrive at 
what that is, we will take a shipping pointj and give in detail the 
several items of charges. 

I have selected Nashville as the shipping point, for the fact that 
my friend, H. T. Yeatman, Esq;, a Commission and Forwarding 
Merchant of great experience, and a gentleman of high standing ; 
and also Messrs; Perkins & Co;, of New Orleans, have furnished me 
with documents, which may be regarded as the best of proof as te 
the correctness of the several items. These figures speak volumes 
of shame to a people who have been, and are still acting, so unwise- 
ly in relation to their temporal interests. For instance, a planter 
shipping his cotton direct to Boston, say 500ft) bales, when cotton 
is worth 9 cents per pound on the plantation, pays the following 

charges : 

By taking Nashville as a shipping point, via New Orleans, viz : 

Freight from Nashville to New Orleans, . $1 75 

Drayage &c, in Nashville, .... 12$ 

Insurance to New Orleans 62 £ 

Receiving and Forwarding in Nashville, . . 50 



Charges in Nashville, . $ 3 ^ 



13 



By deducting 50 cents per bale will bring the a- 
mount to about an average cost of planters shipping 
their cotton direct to New Orleans, ... 50 



Average cost of getting cotton to New Orleans . . $2 50 

]otton received in New Orleans and shipped to Boston : 
Dray age in New Orleans, . . . $ 12£ 

Receiving and Forwarding 50 

Freight to Boston | per lb, . . • » 3 12 £ 
Primage, .....*. 5 

Drayage, Salvage and Labor in Boston, . • .25 
Weighing, ...... • 8 

Advertising, . . . . . . . 5 

Brokerage, one-half per cent, . . * . i 28f- 

Marine Insurance, 1£ cent, 71£ 

Fire Insurance in Boston, £ cent, . . . 14f 

Commission and Guaranty, 5 per cent, , . 2 87 £ 

Interest or discount for 6 months, ... 1 72£- 
Repairing bales and new rope, .... 12£ 



Amount of charges in Boston, 



$9 43 



Total sum for shipping from Nashville direct to Boston, 612 55i 

The amount reduced to a pound makes 2 \ cents which the North- 
ern pays over the Southern manufacturer for bale cotton, allowing 
the cost of getting the cotton from the plantation to a factory South, 
to be the same that it is to convey it from Boston to the Interior of 
the State. 

A Southern manufacturer having a home market at his very door, 
as it were, for his fabrics, as there is not enough now manufactured 
here to supply the demand. Hence, he has the additional advant- 
age of the freights and charges from Boston to Nashville, on th« 
description of goods made by him. Take, for instance, 4£ sheeting, 
and you will find that the same article sells in Nashville, or any 
other Southern wholesale market, from a-half to three-fourths of a 
cent per yard more than in Boston, or any other Eastern market. 
This advance price per yard, is per pound from \\ to 2| cents, and 
on each bale of cotton of 5001b, allowing the average price to be two 
cents per pound, for freight, insurance, exchange, &c, $8 75. 
This additional advantage in price will continue until the South 
manufactures for export, which I hope will not be far distant. 



14 

By adding the several items in favor of a Southern manufacturer 
oil a plantation over a Northern, on each bale of cotton used, yov 
V will find the following saving, viz. : 

By ginning his own cotton per bale, . » $ 3 75 
" saving 201bs rope and baling per bale, . 1 60 

" Purchase of cotton at 2£ cents less per bale 12 50 

H Freights and charges from the North to the 

South, . 8 75 



Amount on each bale manufactured, . . $26 60 

As to the correctness in the main of the above estimates, I chal- 
lenge any one to disprove them, by facts and figures, if he has them, 
or can get them. 



CHAPTEE III. 

THE EXTENT OF THE MAEKET FOE THE SALE OF 
THE MANUFACTURED AETICLES IN THE SOUTH. 

The item of clothing for the slave population of the Southern 
States, is an important consideration for the home manufacturer, as 
it affords a certain and growing market for his fabrics at his own 
door, as it were. A large portion of the coarse fabrics consumed in 
the South, are now manufactured in the old fashion way, by hand, 
on many of the plantations, for the wear of the whites as well as the 
slave population. Whereas, if manufacturing establishments were 
general in these states, the planter would purchase instead of mak- 
ing his goods at home, for the obvious reason that he could pur- 
chase them cheaper than he could manufacture them. And many 
of those persons who are poor, and through necessity make their 
own clothes at home, having no other way to procure them, would 
find employment in the factories at remunerative prices; and thus 
be enabled to purchase clothing for themselves and families with 
considerably less labor, as we have heretofore clearly shown. 

As but few persons have taken the trouble to investigate the sub- 
ject, and consequently have no idea of the vast amount of goods 
necessarily required annually to clothe the slaves of the South, we 
have made an estimate based upon the number of slaves — the quan- 



15 

tity and value of the goods for each one per annum. As to the cor- 
rectness of which we invite your careful examination. 

We have now, (January, 1857,) about 3,725,000 slaves, which, 
for the sake of convenience, we classify thus: Men, 1,100,000; 
Women, 1,200,000; Boys, 700,000; Girls, 725,000. To clothe 
this number of slaves it will require at least the following goods, at 
prices as high or higher than any estimate, at wholesale or manufac- 
turer's prices. It is true that slaves are differently clothed, some 
with higher and others with lower price goods, some with a less and 
others with a greater quantity. But however dressed, the average 
value of such heavy fabrics is not less than my estimate, when we 
look to the aggregate for the whole South. 

To clothe the 1,100,000 men, I give each 
one three shirts, requiring 9 yards each 
of osnaburgs, making a total of 9,900,001 
yards, worth 10£ per yard, . . $1,039,500 

Two pair of summer pants, 5£ yards each, 
of heavy osnaburgs, making 6,050,000 
yards worth 12£ cts. . . . 756,250 

One coat and pair of pants for winter, made 
of a good article of Jeans, 6£ yards each, 
making 7,150,000 yards worth 40 cents 
per yard, 2,860,000 

For lining, pockets, &c, 1£ yards each, 
making 1,650,000 yards, worth 10£ cents 
per yard, 173,250 

One Blanket for each slave, that is, 1,100,- 

000 worth,on an average, $1, making 1,100,000 



Total value for men .... $5,929,000 

Or for each man $5 39-100ths. 

To clothe the 1,200,000 women, I give to each one the following 
articles, to-wit. : 

Two chemises of 6 yards each, of osnaburgs, 
making 7,200,000 yards, worth 10 £ cents 
per yard, $ 756,000 

Two summer dresses, each 14 yards, of 
striped or plain osnaburgs, making 16,- 
800,000 yards, worth 12* cts.per yard, 2,100,000 

One dress for winter, made of Linsey, 7 



16 



yards each, making 8,400,000 yards, 
worth 20 cts per yard, . . . 1,680,000 
One Blanket each, making 1,200,000, worth 

upon an average $1 each, . . 1,200,000 



Total value for woman , * . . $5,736,00(1 
Or for each women $4-88-100ths. 

To clothe the 700,000 Boys, I allow each as follows : 

Two shirts of 4 yards each, making 2,800,- 
000 yards of heavy sheeting or domestic, 
worth 8£ cts. per yard, ... $ 238,000 

Two pair of summer pants, 4 yards each, 
making 2,800,000 yard.s of osnaburgs 
worth 10£ cents per yard, < . 204,000 

Coat and pants for winter, 4 yards each, of 
Linsey making 2,800,000, yards worth 
25 cents per yard, , , .. 700,000 

One Blanket for every two hoys, making 

350,000 blankets, worth $1 each, . 350,000 



Total value for boys, , . $1,582,000- 

Or for each $2 26-100th. 

To clothe the 725,000 girls it will require for each as follows : 

Two chemises of 4 yards each, making 2,-. 
900,000 yards, of heavy sheeting or do- 
mestics, worth 8£ cents per yard, . $246,500; 

Two dresses for summer of osnaburgs or 
striped goods, 8 yards each, making 5,- 
800,000 yards, worth 10J cents, . 609,00.0 

One winter dress of Linsey, 4 yards, mak- 
ing 2,900,000 yards, worth 20 cents per 
yard, ..... 580,000 

One Blanket for every two girls, making 

362,500, worth each on an average, Si, 362,500 



Total value for girls, , . $1,798,000 

Or for each girl $2 48-100ths. 

Thus it will be seen that the total annual value of the goods ne- 
cessary to clothe the slaves of the South, is $15,045, 000, and a very 






1800 


be 


1870 


u 


1880 


<« 


1890 


« 


1900 


(< 



IT 

moderate provision is made at that, as every slave owner will at one© 
perceive. 

We have before stated that the Southern was a growing market, 
and nothing is required to substantiate the assertion but a careful 
examination of the census returns. The slave population in 1790, 
sixty-six years ago, was only 697,897 ; and in the year 1850, it had 
increased to 3,204,313, and is now, (1857,) 3,742,637, allowing an 
increase of 2 8-10ths per cent, per annum By continuing the es- 
timate, and allowing the same ratio of increase in their number for 
the next forty years, as occurred between the years 1840 and 1850,, 
which was a fraction over 28 per cent, omitting the fractions. 

There will, in the year 1800 be 4,101,520 

la the year 1870 «« 5,249,945* 

6,719,929 

8,601,509 

11,009,931 

Is it not, therefore, an important matter with the manufacturer to 
have the opportunity of supplying the present and future genera- 
tion of these slaves with their wearing apparel ? 

At present the larger portion of the purchased clothing for thest 
slaves, is manufactured in the free states, by abolitionists, and in 
many instances the goods are made into clothes by these intermedl- 
ing fanatics. And I hope it will not be deemed out of place to 
give you a small sample of the feelings and actions of those persons 
who are now supplying the South with clothing for your slaves at 
large profits. Read the following : 

FBEMONT MEETING IN STONINGTON. 

Pawcatuck, Stonington, Ct., Sept. 15. 

Pursuant to a call of several voters, a meeting was held at the store of 
John Perrin, on Saturday last. Joshua Noyes, Jr., called the meeting to 
order and stated the object, when T. It. Hyde was chosen Chairman and 
Peleg Noyes Secretary. After consultation it was unanimously voted to form 
a Fremont Club, and the following committee appointed. Constitution and 
By-laws :-=-T. R. Hyde, Thompson Wells, Geo. W,Gavit, and Jonathan Mason. 
On Officers, Peleg Noyes, John B. Steadman. Ji\, and D. C. Pendleton. 

This evening the room was well filled at an early hour, when the Commit- 
tee on Constitution reported, which was unanimously adopted. Committee 
on Officers reported for 

President.— Theopholus R. Hyde. 

Vice Presidents. — O. M. Stillman, Eraatus Wontworth, Thomas Vt\ Davis, 
Hezekiah Dickens, Thompson Wells, John D. Steadman, Jr., George W Gavir. 
Albert Buel, John H, Crany, Joshua Gardner, Chas. H. Bh. des, James (\ 
Albro, B. W. Taurgee, Matthew Stillman, John R. Vincent, Chancey Gleason, 
Thomas H. Vincent, aad Ezra Miuor a 



\f 



18 

Executive Committee. — Jonathan Maxon, II. R. Hall, Joshua Noyes, Jr.. 
John B. Steadman, Jr., and Henry A. Brown. 

Secretary and Treasurer. — John A. Morgan. 

A book was opened with the Constitution and By-Laws, when all presenf 
signed their names. A Glee Club is also formed, which will enliven ou' 
meetings in future with good campaign songs. 

I received this evening a letter from a friend who has been all over th 
eastern part of the State, and he gives a good account of all parts of it. 

N. 

These are the Proceedings of a Fremont meeting during the hit 
canvass for the Presidency, of a Union Government. It is but th 
reflex of the opinions and sentiments of a large majority of the mar 
ufacturers of New England ; but among those people, I cordialb 
state there are honorable exceptions. By examining the cards upon 
the plaid Linseys, to be found in nearly all the dry goods store.' 
throughout the Southern States, you will at once recognize the men 
to whom you are giving aid and support. You will find these good 
marked Westerly, R. I., as that is their post-office. The idea hx 
often suggested itself to me, that the South should keep a regular 
register of all the manufacturing Abolitiouists of every description, 
as well as merchants and proprietors of other establishments, who 
are inimical to our rights and institutions. Then I would furnish 
every merchant and tradesman with a copy, so that they might re- 
fuse to purchase any article manufactured or offered to be vended 
by an abolitionist. The idea was more forcibly impressed upon my 
mind, when to-day I saw at the town pump, slaves clothed in plaids, 
manufactured at Stonington, by individuals who were the officers of 
this same Fremont Club. I persuade myself that whenever neces- 
sity demands it, that our people can be as patriotic and self-denying 
as those at Boston, who refused to permit the tea to be discharged 
from a British ship, and assumed the responsibility of throwing the 
whole cargo overboard iuto the dock, because their oppressors were 
not satisfied with abusing them, but wished to extort from them 
that which prudence and justice would not grant. Behold and con- 
template the result, ye that are interested in the premises ! The 
time has arrived when every sense of duty, self-denial and patriot- 
ism demands of us to supply ourselves with the necessaries of life, 
which we possess the means of accomplishing at less cost and labor 
than any other people ou earth. Why will we longer wait to be 
supplied by these northern fanatics ? This support should be with- 
held ; because it enables them the better to prosecute their evil de- 
fcigQ-s against our rights and interests. It ad Is greatly to theuj 
wealth, their independence, commerce and population — prudenc* 



19 

and self-defence prompt its withdrawal. Thus the South would gain 
what the North would lose. It is not only the duty and interest of 
the southern people that they manufacture their cotton, but all other 
articles which it is possible for them to do — such as boots, shoes, 
hats, clothing, and the like — to encourage the establishment of print- 
ing houses for the getting up of books, periodicals, newspapers, &c, 
and thereby put upon foot a southern literature. This would not 
only secure us against dependence on the North for these things, 
but would yield to capital and labor better profits than cotton, tobac- 
co, sugar, rice, &c, and would add greatly to the aggregate wealth 
of the South. If our good people will but examine the question 
thoroughly for themselves, they will come to such conclusions as 
will lead them to speedy action. But from this digression, let us 
return to the home demand for southern manufactures. 

The white and free colored population of the southern States in 
1850 was 6,460,567 ; to which add the same ratio of increase as 
from 1840 to 1850, for the six years, or to the 1st January, 1857, 
and we have a free population of 7,759,489, for whom clothiug has to 
be provided. As this number is more than double that of the 
slaves, we can with safety state that they will consume double the 
amount in value as has been allowed for the slaves. I allude, as a 
matter of course, to the heavy fabrics, such as are now manufac- 
tured to a limited extent in the South, and which should be extend- 
ed so as, at least, to supply our home demand. These two items 
would swell up our southern demand to not less than $45,135,000, 
with an increasing tendency. Of this sum not more than one-fourth 
are now manufactured in the South. Aud I would here ask, what 
consummate folly it is to send a bale of cotton to a northern factory, 
for which you receive $45, to be wrought into 888 yards of osna- 
burgs, for which you pay 11 £ cents per yard, or $102 12; or, if 
converted into domestic or sheetings, it will make 1316 yards, for 
which you will have to pay 8£ cents per yard, or $111 86. AVho 
receives this advance upon your bale of cotton ? You know that it 
is for freight, insurance, and other charges on the raw cotton — the 
charges of those fanatics for converting it into goods, by which you 
make them rich and saucy — sustain their population, who send men 
to Congress to abuse and assail your institutions — and who likewise 
maintain three thousand clergymen in holy orders, who desecrate 
their calling in attempting to preach down your rights secured by a 
Common Constitution. Again, it goes to pay return freights and 
o her incidental charges on the goods and premiums upon exchange, 
&Q. Thus your labor and capital goes to the support of their ships, 



20 

finals, steam-boats, railroads, banks and brokers ; from whence ifc 
diverges into every department, and consequently swells their wealth, 
population, and consequence in every respect — alt at the charge and 
expense of the South. How long, southerners, shall this state of 
things continue? It can be ended if you will but strike the blow. 
Now is the propitious time. Let it be done. 

I am aware that there are many persons in the South who appear 
to think that nothing yet has transpired to warrant the people of 
the slave States to withdraw their patronage and support from these 
abolition manufacturers, merchants and tradesmen. In addition to 
the reference already made to the Fremont meeting at Stonington, 
I invite your attention to the following synopsis of the opinions and 
sentiments of these fanatics — avowed and publicly proclaimed by 
the leaders of the Black Republican party, from the Senate cham- 
ber, the House of Representatives, the pulpit and the stump, during 
the recent Presidential election, and fully and most emphatically 
endorsed by the votes of the people of the New England States, as 
was evidenced by their hearty support of John C. Fremont : 

DISUNION AND TREASON ! ! 
Black Republican Sentiments. 

"Let us remember that more than three millions of bondmen, groaning 
under nameless woes, demand that we shall reprove each other, and that we 
labor for their deliverance/' * * * * "I tell you here to- 

night, that the agitation of this question of human slavery will continue 
while the foot of a slave presses the soil of the American Republic," — Sena- 
tor Wilson, of Massachusetts. 

In conclusion I have only to add that such is my solemn and abiding con- 
viction of the character of slavery, that under a full sense of my responsi- 
bility to my country and my God, I deliberately say, better disunion — better 
a civil or a servile war — better anything that God in his Providence shall 
send — than an extension of the bounds of slavery. — Hon. Horace Mann. 

The good citizen as he reads the requirements of this act — the Fugitive 
S'ave — is tilled with horror. * * Here the path of duty is clear, 
I am bound to DisOHKY this act. — Hon., Charles Sumner. 

If peaceful means fail us, and we are driven to the last extremity where 
ballots are useless, then we'll make bullets effective, Hon. Erastus Hopkins. 

I detent slavery, and say unhesitatingly that 1 am in favor of its abolition 
by some means, if it sends all the party organizations in the Union, and the 
Union itself, to the devil. If it can only exist by holding mi'Iions of human 
ItoirvgB in the most abject and cruel system of slavery that ever cursed the 
earth, it was a great pity that it was ever formed, and the sooner it is dis- 
solved the better. — If. M. JLddfoon, 

Was it not that the only hope of the slave was over the ruins of this gov- 
ernment, and of the American church,— the dissolution of the Union was the 
abolition of slavery. — Stephen C. Foster. 






21 

A great many people raise a cry about the Union and Constitution, »s if 
the two were identical; but the truth is, it is the Constitution. That has 
been the fountain and father of our troubles. — Rev Copt, Henry Ward Klllem 
Beecher, Pastor of the Church of Holy Rifles. 

P.emembering he was a slaveholder he could spit upon Washington, (hisses 
and applause.) The hissers, he said, were slaveholders in spirit; and every 
one of them would enslave him if they had the courage to do it. So near to 
Faneuil Hall and Bunker Hill, was he not permitted to say that that scotjn- 
biikl, George Washington, had enslaved his fellow men? — C. L. Ramond, 
Black Republican Orator at Faneuil Hall. 

Men of Ohio, rush to the rescue. Leave candidate making to those who 
have time for such things ; your duty is to fight — to fight as your fathers 
fought — for freedom. — Ohio Paper. 

Resolved, That God helping us, we will live and labor — not only for the 
prevention of slavery upon the soil of Kansas, but also for its destruction 
from the length and breadth bf the land. 

Resolve'd, That the Union was established to secure the liberties of American 
citizens. When it fails to do that, our only voice can be, let the Union bo 
dissolved. — Lowell Resolutions. 

We are northern men, and we have a Senator in Congress. I am for hav- 
ing every man go armed, and if he is assailed, to shoot down his opponent. — 
Mr. Brewster's Speeech at Faneuil Hall. 

The events of the last few years and months and days have taught us the 
lessons of centuries. I do not see how a barbarous community and a civile 
i*zed community can constitute one state. I think we must get lid of slaves 
ry, or Ave must get rid of freedom. — R. W. Emerson, at Cdncord. 

The following resolution was adopted at a meeting of Black Republicans 
at Monroe, Green county, Wisconsin : 

Resolved, That it is the duty of the North, in ease they fail in electing a 
President, and a Congress that will restore freedom to Kansas, to revolutionist 
the government. 

I have.said, and take this occasion to repeat, that rather than consent that 
the curse of human chattledom should be taken into Kansas and Nebraska, I 
would prefer to see the political elements crumble into dissolution.— Cleie- 
land Leader. 

I have no doubt but that the free and slave States ought to be seperated. 
■N. Y. Tribune. 

There is a higher law than the Constitution which regulates our authority 
over the domain. * * It [slavery] can and hiUst be abolished, and 
you and I must do it. * * Correct your own error that slavery has 
constitutional guarantees which may not be released; and ought not to be 
relinquished', * * You will soon bring the parties of the country 
into an effective aggression upon slavery. — Win. IT, Sward. 

I have great hopes of the overthrow of the Union.-— Rev. T. Foss. 
'"- The North must separate from the South and organize her own institutions 
on a sure basis. — William Lloyd Garrison. 

Resolved, That the repeated aggressions Of the slave power upon freedom* 
and the recent outrages upon our brethren in Kansas, are only skirmishes 



22 

before the great battle threatened for the subjugation of the northern free' 
man to do the behests of the southern task-master. 

Resolved, That the time has come when it becomes the North to stand ft 
Unit, and to the question, freemen or slaves, return the emphatic answer of 
Patrick Henry, "Give me liberty or give me death."-— Reading (Massachusetts) 
Resolves. 

The Union is not worth supporting in connection with the South.- — Horace 
Greeley. 
In the Pittsburg Convention, after prayer by the Rev. Mr. Lovejoy — 
The Rev. Mr. Brewer, of Connecticut, said he was in favor of using fire- 
arms, and fighting for freedom and Kansas. 

Rev. Mr. Chandler said he believed that Sharpe's rifles were the best peace 
makers ; there was no danger too many of them would be introduced into 
Kansas. 

Rev. Mr, Lovejoy was willing to go either as a captain or private. He 
would use Sharpe's rifles, and fire with good aim. 

In the North Church, soon after, the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher said: — "/ 
hold it to be an everlasting disgrace to shoot at a man and not hit him. ' 

The champions of freedom will see that the slaveholders are kept busy — and 
they will see that the slaves are liberated and put in a condition to take care 
of themselves. — New Haven Palladium, 

In one of the churches of Detroit, "a fearless and faithful minister of 
Christ" — as the Tribune terms him — preached an abolition sermon, in which 
he remarked as follows : 

"Before I would see popular sovereignty wrested by force from the people 
of the territories, (referring to the determination of the authorities to en- 
force obedience to the laws,) I would have the plains of Kansas silent with uni- 
versal death. Before I would have the lips of our Senators and Representa- 
tives sealed in craven silence by the hand of southern violence, (referring to 
the castigation bestowed upon Sumner by Brooks for personal, not political, 
reasons,) I would see the halls of Congress ankle deep in blood." 

Thus he (Rev. Dr. Kirk) only pointed to the thunder cloud that hung over 
us, "God," said he, "may avert it. Man cannot avert it. Coaxing, com- 
promise, letting alone, are all too late. Mr. Brooks is nothing in this mntter, 
Mr. Douglas is nothing in this matter. The doctrine that a negro is not a 
man and the doctrine that the negro is a man have now come to the death 
struggle, and the nation will heave with every convulsive struggle of the 
contest. Neither will yield until a continent has been swept with the deluge 
of civi! war. — Travellers Report of Dr. Kirlcs Speech. 

At the meeting of the Emigrant Aid Society, Rev. Mr. James, of Worces- 
ter, said: "He had no faith in the resolutions passed by large meetings, and 
believed that paper resolutions would do no good, unless rammed down the 
barrel of a gun with powder and ball." 

Rev. Mr. Snow, of Lowell, endorsed the sentiments uttered by his brother 
Christian, and said that he was ready to follow him to martyrdom. 

" 1 love the Union — and the time has come when we must declare we love free- 
dom better than the Union." — Ex-IAeuU Gov. Ford, of Ohio. 

No man has a right to be surprised at this state of things. It is just what 
we (abolitionists and dis unionists) attempted to bring about; There is nrerit 



23 

ta the Republican party. It is the first section* al party ever organized in 
this country. It does? not know its own face, and it calls itself national; but 
it is not national — it is sectional. The Republican party is a party of the 
North pledged against the South. — Wendell Phillips. 

This Union is a lie. The American Union is an imposture, a covenant icith 
hath and an agreement with hell. * * I am fob its overthrow.—. 
Up with the flag of disunion, that we may have a free and glorious republic 
f our own ; and when the hour shall come, the hour will have arrived that 
hall witness the overthrow of slavery. — Win. Lloyd Garrison. 

The times demand and we must have an anti-slavery Constitution, an 
.nti-slaveryBillk, and an anti-slavery God."- Anson Burlingame, Member 
\f Congress from Massachusetts. 

I am willing, in a certain state of circumstances, to let tub Union slide. 
—Nat. P. Banks 

In the case of the alternative being presented of the continuance of slave* 
y or a dissolution of the Union, I am for dissolution, and I care not how 
uick it comes. — Rufus P. Spalding. 

On the action of this convention the fate of the country; if the Republi- 
ans fail at the ballot box, we will be forced to drive back the slaveocracy 
;ith fire and sword. — James Watson Webb, 

It is the duty of the North, in case they fail in electing a President and a 
'ongress that will restore freedom to Kansas, to revolutionize the govern- 
ment. — Resolution of a Black Republican Meeting in Wisconsin. 

I pray daily that this accursed Union may be dissolved, even if blood have 
o be spilt. — Black Republican Clergyman at Poughkeepsic, 

We earnestly request that Congress, at its present session, to take such 
uitiatory measures for the speedy, peaceful and equitable dissolution of the- 
Union, as the exigencies of the case may require.— -Black Republican. 

At a Black republican meeting in Auburn, Fred Douglass said, among oth- 
vy things, that "it was the duty of every slave to cut his master's throat." 

I almost hope to hear that some of their lives (emigrants to Kansas) have 
been sacrificed, for it seems as if nothing but that would rouse the eastern 
States to act. — Cor. of New York Tribune. 

I sincerely hope a civil war may soon burst upon the country. I want to 
pee American slavery abolished in my day — -it is a legacy I have no wish to 
leave to my children ; then my most fervent prayer is that England, France 
;md Spain may speedily take this slavery accursed nation into their special 
consideration , and when the time arrives for the streets of the cities of this 
'land of the free and home of the brave' to run with blood to the horses' 
bridles, if the writer of this be living, there will be one heart to rejoice at the 
■etributive justice of Heaven. This, of course, will be treason in the eyes 
f doughfaces in this land. Well, they are familiar with Dr. Henry's cele- 
brated prescription— 'make tho most of it.'— IT. 0. Duvall. 

I look forward to the day when there shall be a servile insurrection in the 

South — when the black man, armed with British bayonets, and led on by 

British officers, shall assert his freedom, and wage a war of extermination 

igainst his mastor — when the torch of the incendiary fhall light up the towns 

ud cities of the South, and blot out the last vestige of slavery ; and though 



• 24 

I may Hot block at their calamity, nor laugh when their fear eohieth, yet t 
Will hail it as the dawn of a political millenium.— Joshiia R. Guldings. 

After reading these sentiments, can any southern man persuade 
himself that there are no well founded reasons for vigorous action? 
How would you treat a neighbor, whose plantation adjoined yours, 
if he were to interfere with your slaves, plantation and stock, and 
on all occasions would take the liberty of speaking disrespectfully of 
you — traducing your good name and character, in such manner and 
guise as to prevent you punishing him by law ? Now, I ask in all 
candor, what would be the course of treatment you would apply to 
this beiug? Would you purchase his crops, deal with him generally; 
or would you say to him, the world is wide and there is room enough 
for us both — I w T ill have no more to do with you than I can help. 
Such would be the individual action of any man ) why not the ag- 
gregate do likewise? 

Not satisfied with their recent defeat, these fanatics are burnish- 
ing their arms for another and more desperate assault upon southern 
institutions. Read the following : 

Fremont for 1860. — Judge Cadey, President of the Electoral College of 
New York, concluded his address on Wednesday, before that body, as follows": 

"Gentlemen: I hope to see you here again for the same purpose that yott 
are now here. I hope every one of you will be here in 1860, and that then 
you will make John C. Fremont President of the United States." 

This sentiment was received by his electoral colleagues with prolonged and 
vehement applause. 

These and many other similar sentiments, put forth and sustained 
by the manufacturing districts of the North, we again assert, are 
sufficient justification for the withholding of patronage. We should 
not purchase any article of them, though it might add much to our 
pleasure and comfort. Let us Wait until such articles are manufac- 
tured at home. Rest assured that there is nothing required for the 
necessities of man, but what can be manufactured in the South, and 
at cheaper rates than Upon the most favored spots of New England 
soil. Why then continue this policy, which gives these fanatics so 
decided advantage over us ? The time is not distant when this feel- 
ing upon the part of the South will become the prevalent sentiment 
of the people. Then, if not until then, will there be a greatly in- 
creased demand for southern manufactured articles. 



CHAPTER IV. 

THE CAUSES OF FAILURE IN MANUFACTURING IN 
THE SOUTH. 

There have been many attempts at manufacturing in the southern 
and southwestern States, which, I srrant, have proved to be unpro- 
fitable. And in the vieiniiy of thoVe unsuccessful establishments, 
an idea prevails that the business is not one of profit — that it will 
not do to put money into them, because they will not pay. Conse- 
quently such failures are pointed to as most, convincing" and Ccnclu- 
give proof of the fact, that manufacturing will net do in the South, 
An idea seems to have been impressed upon the minds of some, that 
this is nor a proper portion of the world for the running of machine- 
ry. It is sometimes asserted that the North is the only place in this 
country where machinery can be operated successful!}*, and that alone 
by Yankees. These fihe opinions, no doubt, are honestly entertain- 
ed ; but I der.y the premises upon whieh they are predicated — con- 
sequently, every deduction made therefrom. 

I hold that no individual has the right to entertain, and much less 
to express, an opinion so extreme, without a thorough examination 
; t>f both sides of the subject, more particularly when such opinions 
bo seriously affect the interests of society. I take it upon myself to 
assert most positively, that the prevailing opinions that the manu- 
facture of cotton in the slave States is unprofitable, are incorrect and 
unfounded. Many instances can be pointed to, where the most flat 
tering success have attended these enterprises — where owners and 
proprietors have realized a Fngh per cent, upon the investment of cap- 
ital. I will venture to say that there has not heen a single failure 
throughout the southern factories, where they were properly located, 
well constructed, provided with the right kind of machinery for the 
goods attempted to be manufactured, and efficiently and judiciously 
managed. !No such failures have occurred in consequence of them 
not being sufficient margin between the cost of the raw material and 
the value of the manufactured fabrics. I challenge any one to 
point out such an establishment; and I agree to prove that each 
failure so pointed out was owing to some cause or causes that might 
have been averted by the owner or proprietors. lu this as well as 
'*!! otl;er paying business, experience is invaluable, and without H> 
fuilurea eften occur in the iKOtt lucrative pursuits. 



26 

'' 1 1 justice to the business of manufacturing in (he South, I claim 
that the. same rules be applied for failures and niceess in t\\i&, as are 
applicable to other industrial pursuits. Take for instance the mer- 
cantile; and you find, by examining the number engaged and capi- 
tal invested, that there have been many more failures, even iu ffca 
rSouth, than in the trade' of manufacturing. If you will take the 
trouble to review the subject, and to examine the long list of fail- 
ures, both in the tree States and in Europe, you will find that they 
run up' to a high number. But how does the account stand when 
you pursue it further,, and take the aggregate? By bo doing you 
will find that manufacturing has been quite as successful, or more so, 
than any other branch of industry. If auy one branch is to be lia- 
ble to condemnation on account of failure, should not all be brought 
under the like stricture ? If this be done— which is nothing hp9- 
even-handed justice — then will you condemn every pursuit known 
to man. For in every avocation there is bad management in noiae 
form or other, and failure will be the inevitable result. 

In manufacturing in the South, we have the experience of many, 
:>h well as that of those engaged in the business, both in New Eng- 
k»(J and Europe. By this wc may easily avoid the errors out of 
which grew their failures; for they live as a beacon light, by the aid 
of which we may steer clear of the shoals and breakers which wreck- 
ed the ship that contained the fortunes of our predecessors in this 
budable enterprise. As affording considerable light upon this subject, 
I subjoin the following Reports. 

I am indebted to the Pres'dent William Gregg, Esq., for his and 
the Treasurers Reports of the Graniteville Manufacturing Company, 
#outh Carolina, and will take this occasion to say that they are com- 
?>l-ete, giving as they do the details of their business for the current 
year, by which any member of the Company can ascertain with some* 
degree of satisfaction, the condition of the Company's affairs; and I 
would recommend that all of our Manufacturing Establishments t<» 
■ d-opt the principals of the reports in keeping their accounts, especi- 
ally Joint Stock Co. The benefits will greatly exceed the amount 
ui' labor required. By the present mode of doing business there is 
uot one in ten that knows the cost of Manufacturing a dozen of 
thread or a yard of fabrie, hence a majority are going it blind, am] 
many wake up to find that they have lost iargely m their business. 
j must be- permitted to discent from My. Gregg's views in relation to 
^■eam power, and the location of cotton mill* in towns, which will bs 
explained elsewhere > 



27 

To the Stockholders of the Grcnitevilk Company s 

Gextlemex : — In presenting you the Fifth Annual Report of oar Treasur- 
er, a fit opportunity occurs for making a few remarks in relation to our pa&L 
operations, the present condition of our property, and our future prospects. 
You are all awaro that we commenced operations as manufacturers at a most- 
uapropitieus time, that we passed through a period of three years of unpre- 
cedented depression, during which millions of capital were sunk by the New 
England spinners, while we were able to hold our position and take advan- 
tage of the first favorable change. 

Buring the year 1852 our nett earnings were 8 per cent. In 1853 they 
reached Ilf per cent., and in 1854 they amounted to a fraction over 18 per 
fiant., and would have exceeded 21 per cent., had our stock of cloth on hand been 
s.old or valued at its present current rate. It is almost indigpensable to our trade* 
hi Charleston, to have a full stock of goods on hand at the commencement 
of the year. On the first of January, 1853., we. had no goods, and were not 
able during the whole spring to supply the Charleston trade, being obliged 
to disappoint our customers in Baltimore and other places. At the com- 
mencement of this year we had a full supply, but not what would be called 
a large stock in ordinary business seasons. To allow for any depreciations 
that might occur in the value of our cloth on hand, it was put in the inven- 
tory at $12,000 less than its value, if sold at the present current rates. The* 
surplus from the earnings of 1853, together with that which lias been created; 
by the largo profits of 1854 (after paying the la$=t January dividend of $18,- 
0O0) leaves us the dividable sum of $45,000. I propose out of this sum t* 
declare an extra dividend of 12 per cent., to be paid in stock. After thut 
division is made, it will be perceived by those who will enter into the calcula- 
tion that we have paid within a fraction of 7 per cent, on our entire capita* 
from the time that it was paid in, thus remunerating the stockholders for any 
Lissof interest which was sustained during the erection of the establishment, 
and also for the two years of depression of 1850 and 1851. If the opera- 
tions ef the year 1855 prove to be as profitable as they were in 1854, and 
we have every reason thus far to anticipate even larger earnings, we shall, 
»t tho end of this year, have earned a sum, which added to that already di- 
vided, will make 9 per cent, on the capital from the time it was paid in, and 
I confidently look forward to the day — long before the Granitevillc Factory in 
materially depreciated by wear and tear — when its stockholders will be afilfe 
to say that they have received, not only the interest on their money, but that 
the entire amount invested has b^en returned to them. 

The only question that seems to arise about the propriety of dividing the- 
surplus is— -what is the condition of our property ? My answer i?, that our- 
machinery has been kept in excellent order, as our handsome goods will stow, 
that everything connected with the water-power and factory is in a better- 
condition than when we first commenced business. We have gradually re-, 
moved wooden dams and waste-ways, substituting brick and stone kid w 
o&ment: most of which has been charged to. current expenses.. Some ef oui« 
cottages are a little the worse for wear, but a few hundred dollars will mak«- 
tiiem as good as new. As to the general value of the property, I assure yoa s f 
would be unwilling to undertake to erect suoh an estttWishinent, finding eve- 
rything, and deliver it ovef^ for a aam exceeding its osigingi wot; fcy fiftjr 
b2 



28 

thousand dollars. When it was built everything was cheap, now labor and 
everything else is dear. We have, during the last year, purchased $8,0(K> 
worth of machinery, with a view of starting 80 moio looms; this additional 
machinery will add nearly one-eighth to bur productive power, and will not. 
increase our cut-rent expenses, except fur the pay of the hands to work it. 
With such profits as we made last year, it will more than pay for itself in 
twelve months. This brings us to the consideration of the importance of 
extending our works to the full extent of our water-power, which is certainly 
equivalent to 500 looms. We have our dams, canals, wheel-pits, and con- 
ducting pipes to carry water to three wheels, and with a very small addition- 
al expenditure, wheel power for that much machinery. Why, then, should 
we hesitate in expending a hundred thousand "more, when it will almost dou- 
ble our income? Our picker-house is large enough for 15,000 spindles ; tho 
only new factory building required will be a one-story weave-house largo 
enough to hold all the looms. I would recommend that the Directors be au- 
thorised to issue new stock to the amount of $240,000. which will raise our 
eapital to $60 ),000. This sum will complete the new works and give us an 
ample cash capital, in which we are now deficient. 

Although our cash capital was $98,000 on the first of January, there was 
an interest account against us for the past year of $10,800, which shows that 
we were all the time largely indebted. Our cotton is purchased for cash. 
We pay cash for all our labor, while, on an average, four months elapse from 
the time the cotton is purchased until the goods are in market; these again 
are frequently four months on hand and are then sold on a credit of eight 
months; so that you will perceive our outlay is always a year or more ia 
advance of our returns. 

It may be thought, by such as have not reflected on the subject, that wo 
should not advance our own interests in permitting new stockholders to come 
in and enjoy the advantages that our present position gives us. We have 
established a wide spread reputation which commands the trade of the whole 
South and South-west, as well as that of the merchants of New York, Phila- 
delphia and Baltimore, who are all the time anxiously enquiring alter our 
goods to supply their western customers. I think it, however, our policy, if 
our own stockholders are either not able or unwilling to take the stock, to al- 
low other capitalists to come in, for it will certainly add greatly to the profits 
of tho present capital invested, to extend our operations as far as our water- 
power will permit, which will not afford an overgrown establishment, or one 
which will be beyond the control and management of the faithful and skillful 
ogents, who now manage our business. 

There is a prevailing opinion in the public mind, that the success cf the 
Grarutcviile Company is an accidental exception to the general rule ; that its 
eminent success is alone owing to my skill and industry, and that so soon &* 
I ara taken from you, your brilliant prospects will vanish, your affair* 
relapse, and the property become unproductive. This is a vital error and 
ought to be corrected, for it has a tendency to depreciate the value of our 
Stock. I am willing to take all tho credit that is due mo for judiciously loca- 
ting and building up the establishment, and for its present organization: tfo;tt 
is the important item on which the success or failure of a manufacturing 
«8iabllsfci*»c»fc tifpeuda* With the perfection of cur machinery, a good loca- 



29 

tion, ste.idy water-power, an 1 general organization, any sensible business- 
maa cm carry oa your aff lirs su;c jssfu'ly. I could select from among our 
stockholders many gentlemen who would, with a little practice, conduct our 
affairs quite as successfully as they have ever been conducted, and probably 
more so. The mercantile would be the best class to select from, for we have 
large mercantile operations constantly o~< hah 1. There is the purchase of 
•ottoa, an 1 all other supplies, and from 2">!) to 400 thousand dollars worth of 
goods to dispose of. The labors of a manager are chiefly mental, and consist 
in the choice of agents and looking closely after them. This would be noth- 
ing more than a pleasant occupation to a successful retired merchant. In 
Massachusetts, lawyers not unfrcquently occupy such positions,, and they 
make capital agents. I have full conn lence in the judgment of our stock- 
holders, to select a proper agent to fill" my place, should I be taken away, or 
decline to fill the otfije. Oa the strength of that conviction, and as an evi- 
dence of my belief in the profitable character of our business, I am willing 
to take far more than my proportion of the new stock, and will put in 
$2i),000 to$>2-5,OJO towards the extension — and I do it as a sure and profita- 
ble investment for my children. 

There are misgivings in the pablic mind with regard to manufacturing at 
the South, which ought to be removed, and I deem this a fit opportunity to 
enlighten, as far as I can, our erwrn stockholders. The prevailing opinion is, 
that the first stockholders of a manufacturing establishment are doomed to 
almost certain failure, and that the proceeds of such an investment are des- 
tine I to piss into seo.i 1 hinds t\>\- bat a fraction of the cust of the establish- 
ment erected. I mast confess that there are abundant reas lis for such an 
•pinion, but I hope that the future will dispel all such misgivings against a 
branch of industry so important to the Southern States. I think 1 can point 
out the prlucipal cause of all the failures at the South, and can suggest a 
•ourse which will secure future undertakings against the errors that have 
shipwrecked and ruined some, and seriously embarrassed others. 

Oar S mthern people, from the want of experience, are too apt to come to- 
the conclusion that, they can erect a manufactory for about half what a simi- 
lar establishment would cost in New-Euglami: This is a fatal mistake. We 
want as good machinery as they use, and every thing as permanent The 
advantages we possess in cheap water-power and building materials will not 
more than balance that which they have in facilities for making machinery 
and the saving of freight." But when a factory is erected and organized, as- 
it can and should be, our abundant supply of cheap labor, our mud climate,, 
and above all, the raw material so cheap at our door, and a home market for 
•ur products, give us, with good management, certain and large profits, while 
fee cotton manufacturers of no other country can more than make a living. 

Laying aside the good management of the business of a cotton factory,, 
which is absolutely necessary any where, there are five prominent causes of 
failure at the South that will apply to every location, and which have been 
the means of sacrificing establishments in all countries, and have sunk mil- 
lions for the New-England people. The establishment of Lowell, m 1820, 
commenced a new era in the manufacture of cotton in the United States. 
r fhe proprietors of that place enlightened all New England, and I may say, 
the world, on the subject, and gave a new character to the busiuess. The 



2G 

aotion hitherto entertained that corporate companies could not succeed, van- 
ished ; and, although that branch of business is carried on in Massachusetts 
almost exclusively by corporate companies, I am not aware that there hai 
been a single establishment which has been wound up and forced into the 
market for sale since 1828. The business, if conducted on a sufficiently large 
scale to secure skilful and able managers, involves so large a capital as to b» 
far beyond the reach of any individual effort that will probably be made for 
many years at the South. This branch of industry must, therefore, be intro- 
duced and carried on by corporations; and I can only say to those who wish 
to form companies, follow our example, examine our establishment, look inta 
its organization, go to New-England where information may be obtained and 
above all things, avoid the errors that 1 am now about to point out. I will 
ftow state the five causes of failure or embarrassment — ■ 

The first, is an injudicious selection of machinery, and of the kind of goods 
to be made. 

The second, is a lack of a steady, efficient, and cheap motive power. 
The third, is an injudicious location. 

The fourth, is the lack of proper effort for the religious and moral training 
♦f the operatives. 

The fifth, is to embark in such an enterprise without sufficient capital. 
The neglect of any one of these may lead to serious embarrassments, 
while the last, seemingly a matter which could easily be corrected and over- 
come, is a prolific source of failure, and has led to more ruinous disasters 
than any other thing. 

In getting up a manufacturing company, the first thing to be consideied 
after procuring an ample capital, is what kind of goods is to be made. In 
deciding this point, no attention should be paid to the prevailing idea at the 
South, than an effurt should be made to supply the home demand, and maka 
a little of every thing. Some will recommend osnaburgs, which are in ihs 
ainds of everybody — others will suggest coarse stripes — others again, denims, 
drills for bags — while cotton yarn will be advised by another — cotton ropes 
will be recommended by others again, as a means of saving waste cotton, 
I would say work up your waste as closely as you can into your cloth, and 
sell the balance to the paper makers. If you start out to make cloth, don't 
attempt to put up yarn, for in a well organized factory, it can be put hit* 
cloth for a half cent a pound more than the cost of feeling and bundling yarn. 
The cloth is marketable every where, and the yarn is not. 

If you put up a large mill, do not attempt to make osnaburgs, for that 
branch of manufacturing is already overdone at the South. I could put up 
a mill of 12,000 spindles and 500 looms to run on osnaburgs, and make th« 
goods so cheap as to drive every mill at the South out of that branch of busi- 
ness, aad stop the only mill at the North which is now making them. One 
factory of 600 looms would supply all the southern demand for that article. 
The business is already crowded by southern competition, as I can readily 
show, by stating the fact, that osnaburgs have been selling in Charleston fur 
a long time past, at from sixteen to seventeen cents per pound, while the 
Grauiteville shirtings and sheetings brought from twenty-three to twenty-four 
cents a pound. There is not half a cent a pound difference in the cost of man- 
ufacturing, all things being equal. There is a demand of from 5C0 to 1,00* 



31 

bales of shirting-*, sheeting, or drills, for o>ne of osaaburge. The whole 
world consumes the former, while the Southern States only the latter. There 
is only one factory, with 200 looms, 'making osnaburgs iu all New-England., 
while the looms which are working on good>\ which assimilate to the Graniie- 
villes will amount to nearly as many thousands. The first tiling to be learn- 
ed by a southern manufacturer is, that he must ultimately, if not immediately, 
look to a wholesale market for his products ; and this seems, hitherto to ha\e 
been almost entirely everlooked by tha southern manufacturer. lie should 
have no other aim, than to take the place of the importer in snpplyirg th4 
wholesale dealer. lie must, therefore, expect to meet and prepare himself 
to overcome foreign and all other competition. In order to do this, every 
operation about the establishment should be simple and direct. The whota 
establishment, however large, should be built and arranged to make some one 
thing rapidly, cheaply, and perfectly. Success would be certain anywhere 
at the South with each a factory, and an exemption from the causes named 
as the sources of embar, assment, with ordinary industry in making any fab- 
ric far which there is a large general demand. If we had the water-power 
at Granitevilie, and were going to erect three or four such factories there, ( 
would consider it the interest of the proprietors to make no other size thread 
than No. 14, which we arc now making. It might be advisable to -make some 
change by weaving cloths of different widths. 

The \v:,xt thing to be looked to is a constant, efficient motive power. If it 
be witer-powc--, care should be taken to select a location that will not sub- 
ject the establishment to interruption from high or low water. The dams 
should be strong and of tho most durable material, and the canals and con- 
ducting pipes leading the water to the wheels, three or four times as larg^ a$ 
those laid do *n in scientific works, under the rules for demonstrating t'h->. 
velocity of running water. A mill pond may be occasionally drawn down « 
foot, or, perliftps, two or three feet; grass will grow in canals and obstruct 
the flow of water, and a thousand other obstacles may come in to impede tb<. 
free discharge of water, which are not taken into such calculations. Then, 
nga'n, great care should, bo exercised in the choice of driving wheels, thcis 
power and efficiency should be fully tested before the. machinery is put ir.te 
the :r)ii! ; aid. by all mv-ms, let every thing be so strong and so firmly fitted 
up, as to place the est iblishmeut beyond the contingency that embarras-.cs 
aid sometime.* ruins sistsh concerns, that of stopping a factory to repair, or 
fsilitf th > driving piwer. X a or fen to s=tvo a few hanlrel dollars in the first 
o-Ulay of w'aeeR I hiv« kh ova hutine M where five times the sum thus saved, 
hvs bvvi waste 1 ii repvify, whiuh, if a I Ul to tho first outlay, would have 
procured the mo<t efficient and durable motors — aye, worse than this, I can 
point to instances where establishments have worked, under the disadvantage 
of defective power two or three years, without making any profit, when a 
full and constant driving power would have enabled the parties to have earn- 
ed HO, 30, or 40.000 dollars per nnnum : even in some instances losing the 
opportunity of making more than 100,000 dollars by endeavoring to avoid the 
expenditure of 2, 3. or 5.000 dollars extra in the beginning. Steam power 
should be, in all instances, avoided at the South, for it is too eos/ly to be 
wed la any place that would be suitable for the location of a cotton factory, 



i 



&»d will place a concern, all other thin 3 being right, under soma serious illy- 
advantages. 

The location of a c >ttou factory is tha next thing to be looker! after. It 
should not be in a city, for it will bo impossible, there, to control the moral 
habits of the operatives, and to keep up a steely, efficient, and cheap work- 
ing frrce. F ustory op yc iti v :s ahou-i a city, in lepeu lent of She high wages 
that it will be necessary to piy th vu, will b ^ unsteady and not reliable help; 
if originally from th s co i • try, they will be eisily frightened away by any 
appearance of epidemic. T:ie location of a factory should be as far away 
from a city as the facilities for transportation wdl admit; it cannot be placed 
on a spot that is too much secluded from a communication with the world ; 
che advantage of remoteness from towns, is in soun instances, sufficient to 
counterbalance a large transportation account. Accessibility to a good cotton 
market should be kept in view, and also the healthfulness of the situation. 

M my persons labor under the erronoou.-: impression that a declining city 
may be. resuscitated by the introduction of large manufactori -s, giving em- 
ployment to the po.r pcG^Je and occupation to untenanted houses. In the 
abstract the theory is cuiveor, but it will nut apply to cotton factories on a 
large scale, ^uch establishments wiil have an injurious tendency, by increas- 
ing pauper population., Country p sople brought into a city for such purpo- 
ses injure themselv s and tho commanity into which tliey are removed. 

All kinds of mechanic at labor wiil thrive in cities an I add to the general 
prosperity, population a. id v/eaah. Large machine sho/ps do well in towns,, 
where all kinds of arti-nus thrive — workers in iron, steel, brass, copper, tin, 
lead, wood and leather, the printer-, b >ok binder, hatter, plumber, cl thier, 
and marttuam iker, silversmith,, jeweller, brush and comb maker, manufac- 
turer of firearms and military goods, and a thousand other occupations- — 
these spr :ad tl.o nselves over a city n lanes and by-ways, their shops occupying 
houses of every description. Back buildings, cellars and garrets all afford 
Jioom for the various departments of handicraft work which give employment 
to every class of a com n unity. The proprietors, book keepers, salesmen, 
overseers and laborers are drawn from every division of society. 

There will be distress in all cities. We frequently hear of females wh» 
Lave to labor with the needle Vo to 20 hours in 124 for mantuamakers and cIotI>- 
lars, and receive wage-! that wdl scarcely afford the cominon necessaries of life.- 
The condition of such people would not be improved by factory labor in a 
oily. In order to advance and improve the condition of our towns, we mu*t 
have an increase of population and productive power in the country. The 
city of at m, thirty years ago, was as stagnant and stationary as any of 
our iSouth rn cities. it is now the wealthiest and one of the most populous 
cities in the Union. The change was brought about by the establishment of 
such factories as Granitevilie throughout the circumjacent country, by thia 
means absorbing all the spare mercautde cap tal of Boston, which, with its 
reproduction, set the whole country to work. i he reaction built up Boston, 
and she, in turn, made raii roads, improved magnificent water powers, which 
gave rise, again, to manufacturing cities and a market for every product that 
the artisans of Boston produced. Thus, by action and reaction of capital 
and the retention of it at home, the city of Boston, so far as money capita^ 






p 



33 



is concerned, has become the London of America. Pretty nearly the whole 
work has been performed by prosecuting the manufacture of coarse cottons, 
which business properly belongs to the Southern States. 

I will now consider the fourth cause of embarrassment or failure — that i«, 
the neglect of the religious and moral training of the factory people. This 
cannot be accomplished in a town or city where the people live in rented 
houses, beyond the control of the proprietors. This matter has been al- 
most wholly neglected throughout the S uth. even in situations where it 
mi«;ht be secured. Companies and individuals have ittributed their inability 
to procure steady and efficient help to an indisposition on the part of the ^ 
poor people of the South to work. Taere never was a greater mistake. 
They seem to have been ignorant, too, of the fact that to get a st ady sup- 
ply of workers, a population must be collected that will regard tin mselves as 
a community, and that two essential elements are necessary to the budding 
«p, moral growth, and stability of such a collection of people, viz: ;i church 
and a school-house. There is not a better class upon the face of the globe, 
from which to procure factory laborers, that the poor people of S nth-Caro- 
lina. I can safel}' say that it is only necessary to make comfortable homes in 
order to procure families that will afford laborers of the best kind. A largo 
manufacturing establishment located any where in the Stite, aw ly from » 
town and in a healthy situation, will soon collect a population around it who, 
however poor, with proper moral restraints, thrown around them, will soon 
develop all the elements of good society. Self-respect, and attachment to the 
place will soon find their way into the minds of such, while intelligence, mor- 
ality, and well directed industry, will not fail to acquire position:. 

The fifth and last source of embarrassment, though not the leant impor- 
tant, is the want of sufficient working capital. More establishments have 
failed from this cause than any other; millions of capital were sunk in the 
New-England States before the enterprising manufacturers of that, ,-ectiou of 
our country learned that, ere the m inufictory was commence I, the pro- 
prietors should secure not only the necessary capital to pay for the entire 
property complete in all its parts, but also have mercantile cap'tal enough to 
«arry on a large trading establishment. 

The want of this one thing has been the chief obstac', to success with 
southern establishments : I know not a single instance, except the Granite- 
ville Company, in which the capital has not been insufficient. No Com any 
should commence building a manufactory with a capital of ir2JJ.0i0, erect 
works costing 250 or $3i>0,000. After a work is commenced, and before it hr# 
yielded profits, to be short of capital, if it be a Company, creates distrust 
amongst its owners as to the efficiency of its managers, and they will, gen- 
erally, come up to an assessment very reluctantly. The credit of such a 
concern is at once impaired, thus giving it a bad start. If in debt when the 
establishment is completed, its situation is critical. In that position, if it 
meet with embarrassment from any of the causes named, and cannot go 
eteauiiy forward and make goods as cheap as others, it not only looses the 
confidence of its own stockholders, but its failure becomes a by-word in the 
community, thereby delaying other enterprises. If it happen that such a 
company ha3 to struggle along for a year or two with imperfect dams, an in- 
sufficient canal, or imperfect driving wheels, and in that way be prevented 



u 

from making profits, and, perhaps, even worse than this, increasing its firsi 
debt by expensive repairs and loss of interest, its affairs must become worst* 
than desperate. Capitalists will shun it as they would a pestilence, and tin* 
stockholders becoming alarmed, will often abandon such an establishment to 
tho auctioneer's hammer; whereas, with proper foresight as to the real diffi- 
culty, and bold enterprising spirits to come to the rescue, it would have been 
a -profitable concern and a good investment. 

The Saluda Company, -which was organized in 1832, has stood for tho Insi 
twenty-three years, a warning beacon to the whole South. That corporation 
commenced with a capital of $50,000, a sum insufficient to build a good dam 
over the Saluda river. They built a house to hold 10,000 spindles and looms 
to weave the yarn. To erect such a factory and carry en such a work in 
Massachusetts, a capital of $100. GOO would have been raised; strange afi 
it may appear, that with all the information attainable at that time, they 
commenced with the sanguine expect tion of completing their works with 
that sum. It were needless to follow it through all its difficulties ; the estab- 
lishment dragged out a. sickly existence of two or three years, and was final' y 
sold under the hammer, not paying its debts. The site selected by this com- 
pany was a magnificent location, just far enough from a town to be free from 
its corrupting influences on the factory operatives, but near enough for pro- 
curing mechanical aid and necessary mercantile supplies, and without expen- 
sive transportation for its raw material and manufactured goods. If that 
oompany had followed the course we have adopted, in first nrocuri.og 
ample capital, building a good dam over the Saluda, and procuring the 
best kind of machinery, made and arranged to manufacture some one le<d- 
ing article, of fine quality, with rapid and cheap production, then had they 
built a neat village wilh cheap cottages, costing from $200 to $300 a piece, 
in sufficient number to accommodate as many families as would be necessary 
to supply them wirh hands, also, a church or two, and had established a good 
Fchool, together with such moral restrictions as with a little attention could 
have been brought to bear upon such a community — in short, if they had 
availed themselves of the lights that at that early day existed and were avail- 
able, the first. Saluda Company would not have been under the necessity of 
purt [basing negroc'? to run. their machinery* but it would new be in existence 
with, possibly two or three such factori s as our GraniUiville establishment. 
They could not have failed to pay a good interest on the capital invested, and 
would long since have returned to the owners, more than once over '..he capi- 
tal put in. With the exception of the Saluda Company and the Charleston 
Factory, there have been no positive failures and very few embarrassed con- 
tserns, and they labored under most of the defects that 1 have named as ele- 
ments of embarrassment. There was no failur ■ among the Georgia factories 
during the terrible pressure of 11*50 and '51 ; they are now, with one or tw« 
exceptions, doing well. Those in the vicinity of Augusta, ten miles off, are 
pay ng 20 to 30 per cent. The DeKalb Factory, near Camden, in our State, i« 
making 15 percent., Vaucluse, just above us, is making money; and hsid 
our establishment been as well organized, and supplied with skillful hand» o« 
at present, we might have paid dividends even in 1850 and '51. 

Until GriUiiteviUe was establfecd, there had been no systematic effort made 
for the moral and religious culture of factory operatives in any of the South- 



35 

efn States. The prevailing opinion was, that the calling was a degrading 
•ne, and there was much truth in it. To this cause may be traced the diffi- 
culty that previously existed in procuring steady and offi dent white opcra- 
tlvas to work cotton factories. People however poor, ar * not easily induced 
to place their children in the way of temptation and vice or in situation* 
that will degrade them. Of the two evils, immoral and vicious associations., 
or idleness coupled with extreme poverty and ignorance, I do not know but 
the hitter was the choice of wisdom. Our system has more than realised 
Our expectations. We have always had a pressure upon us for situation?', 
and could in a month stock another factory with hands, while the yWgusta 
and Columbus Companies are always short of help, notwithstanding th^j 
pay much higher wages than we do. 

I believe that our population at Granitcville, in general, is as pure and vir- 
ttjous a community as can be found any where in the State. The Ministers 
of the Gospe! that have been located here, all concur with me on that point, 
Wo are now beginning to feel the effects of our school, in the good order and 
discipline that prevails among the hands in the mill. All agree that we have 
as efficient a working force as can be found in any country. 

Mr. Montgomery, who has had much experience in Scotland, and had 
charge of large mills in New-England and New-York, thinks that for stabili- 
ty, controllability an 1 productive power, they are not surpassed anywhere, 
A majority of our skilful manufacturing overseers are Sonth-Caroliniane, 
who learned the business here. We may really regard ourselves as the pio- 
neers in developing the real character ef the pror people of South-Carolina. 
Granitcville is truly the home of the poor widow and helpless children, or 
for a family brought to ruin by a drunk' n, worthless father. Here thev mef i 
with protection, are educated free of charge, and brought lip to habits of ft - 
dustry under the care of intelligent mm. The population of Graniteville i« 
made up mainly from the poor of Edgefield, Barnwell, and Lexington Dis- 
tricts. From extreme poverty and want, they have become a thrifty, happy, 
and contented people. When they were first brought together, the seventy- 
mne out*of a hundred grown girls wh i could neither read nor write, were 
a by-word around the country; that reproach has long since been removed. 
We have night, Sunday and week-day schools. Singing-masters, music- 
teachers, writing-masters and itinerant lecturers all find patronage in Gran*- 
tteville, where the people can easily earn «1. the necessaries of life, and are 
In the enjoyment of the usual luxuries of country life. The fijn st silk dresr- 
es abound, and, in some instances, pianos may be seen that have been pur- 
chased with the surplus earnings ef the girls. Our Savings Bank has 8 cr 
$9,000 on deposit from the operatives, aM when our new stock is issued, von 
will find our operatives among the subscribers. Were our shares $100. is- 
•tead of $500, very many of them would be found amo g the owners of 
Graniteville. 

It is by this occupation, and this alone, (at the present day), that the poor 
people can be made profitable to themselves, and to the country at large. 
When a taste for manufacturing prevails, and our intelligent capitalists are 
placed in situations which will require them to look after such people, they 
-will all be brought out from their cabins of poverty, te mingle with enlighten- 
ed men in accelerating the spirit of progress of the present age. There will 



38 

then be? no difficulty in the disbursement of the 'Vec school fund of South 
Carolina — when ihesg people are brought together in villages, the difficulty 
that lus puzzled our wisest politicians will e ase r to eiist. As manufactur- 
ers, they will in a few years become a regenerated people, and do more for 
our State than all the cotton planters have yet 'lone; for the prevailing poli- 
cy, of the planter seems to have been to exhaust the soil as rapidly as possi- 
ble, with a view of abandoning the country. 

The laborers of a cotton nctory must of necessity be drawn from the poor- 
est class of a country — hardy, economical and simple in all their habits. 
With a little attention to the education and mural training of their children, 
and opportunities afforded for the religious culture of such a people, thej 
may be collected together in villages isolated and away from th • corrupting 
influence of city vices, as they are at Graniteville, and be made industr ous, 
intelligent and happy, and withal quite as available in the production of 
■wealth to the State, and in advancing general prosperity, as any people on 
earth. Remove the t-nmecla s of people into cities to work factories, and 
what becomes of them? The pay is insufficient for the artificial wants of a 
city life; they will be regarded by the community arou d them as little bet- 
ter than paupers and outcasts, will soon enter into the most corrupting dissi- 
pation and vice, and will not remain such steady and efficient operatives, as 
are necess. ry to the profitable prosecution of manufacturing. Aside from 
the all absorbing profits which should be the pole star with those who expect 
to thrive in any branch of business, there is a charity in the ma ter, which 
wit! attract many good men who have been fortunate enough to become retir- 
ed capitalists. 

AH of you must be aware of the condition of the class of people I allude 
to. What pr gress have they made in the last hundred years? and what is 
to be their future condition, unless some mode of employment be devised te 
Improve it? A noble race of people! reduced to a condit on but little above 
the wild Iti'linn of the forest, or the European gipsy, without education, and 
in many instances, unable to procure the food necessary to develop the natu- 
ral man. T hey seem to be the only class of people in our State who are not 
disposed to emigrate to other countries, while our wealthy and intelligent 
•itizens are leaving us by scores, taking with them the treasures which have 
been jiccumulatcd by mercantile thrift, as well as by the growth of cotton 
and the consequent exhaustion of the soil. If a proper state of things exist- 
ed in South Carolina, this class of emigrating Southern capitalists would re- 
main, and invest their means in such enterprises as would add to the strength 
and general welfare of the State. But under the existing circumstances, the 
accumulation of wealth by well directed industry, often proves the strongest 
incitement to emigration. The thiifty planter has his mind fixed on the fer- 
tile lands of the far west, and only waits for the accumulation of sufficient 
capital to make a good settlement, to leave the land which he has been most 
industriously pushing to exhaustion, for some Eldorado of the West. The 
thrifty merchant, when ready to retire from the toil and dangerous uncer- 
tainty of a mercantile life, looks around him in vain for any employment for 
capital other than shaving notes, or the purchase of land and negroes, nei- 
ther of which may suit his inclination, the consequence is, that he is a can- 
didate for emigration. If the merchant or planter be strongly attached to 



the soi 1 , his capital wll precede him. out *f the State, and ckimately he, or' 
h.^ children, will fellow. 

H would be an interesting statistical table w'.ich should ml forth the urns .*• 
ber of valuable citizens, and the .'imoniU of money and negro capital, -which 
has left the Stare of South Carolina during the hVt %ki years. I think it 
would be within bounds to assume that the plft-iftii^g capital withdrawn with- 
in that period, would, judiciously applied, havfc drained every acre of swamp* 
hind in South Carolina, brsidos resuscitatb g the old, worn out land, and 
doubling the creps — thus more than quadrupling the productive power of 
the agriculture of the State. What a melancholy picture! But this is na 
all. Let us look for a moment at the course of th'r gs among our mercantile 
classes. We shall not have to go much farther back than twenty-five years 
to count up twenty-five millions of capital accumulated in Charleston, and 
which has left with its enterprising owners, who have principally located in 
Northern cities. This sum would build factories enough to spin and #eare 
every pound of cotton made in the State, besides making railroads to inter- 
sect every portion of the up-country, giving business facilities to the remot- 
est points. We can cite a ease familiar to you all, a melancholy illustration 
cf the imperceptible transmission of our capital to other sections «,f th-c* 
country. I allude to a gentleman recently decea-ed, one of oar largest stock - 
holders, who was well known to the people of South Carolina, whose heart 
throbbed for the promotion of ever}' industrial enterprise in the State. The? 
idea of giving employment arid education to our poor people was ever upper- 
most in his mind. He has left an enduring testimony of bin philanthropy, m 
a lar^e bequest for the education of the poor children at Qrnniteville. Ha 
was a ready contributor to the establishment of our town, which, I trust, i» 
to be the successful pioneer, and the beacon that may lead other capitalist* 
eafely into that needed branch of industry. At the decease of that genth- 
man, who embraced every opportunity of investment in manufacturing 
which seemed to promise safety, it Was found that three-fourths of a miiliou 
of his capital was invested in New York, and large gums in the far west., 
pushing forward enterprises in that new country. We have another living 
instance before us. One of our large stockholders, a gentleman who, by 
diligent industry, has amassed a large fortune in S.niih Carolina, h&8 recent- 
ly located permanently in New York, where his capital will, in all probability, 
soon follow him and be lost to our State forever. 

WM. GREGG, 
Prn^ GraniU-vilJe -Man. Co, 



TREASURER'S REPORT TO THE CRANITETILLfc »SKtPa.ci*JRIKS 

COMPANY, FOR 3861 
Capital Stock, $360, OCX) Of 

Charges against cop&il etiK-.fe, £24, 680 M 



Original ***& oa pi U4, ^ | &' fed 



33 



#«r«:>!u3 pvofitd on hand Js.»„ 1st, 1851, 
J^eil e&ruingg far 1854, 



hews dividends of No-, 4 and No. 5 for p&dt y&ar, 
ifufcd surplaa profile and cash capital. 



$30,505 48 
04,954 03 

96, 051 41 
32,400 0!) 



63.151 41 



$38,670 47 



CLOT II MANUFACTURED. 



4-4 Shootings, 

1-8 Sliirting^, 

Drilling:*, 



| PIECES. 

24,193~ 

76,748 

4,783 

105.730 



""317,814" 

823,810 

66 912 

l,2u#,u3o 



876,720 

2,800,20$ 

177,035 

3.8-3 i, 0j9 



AYERAGK COST OF MANUFACTURING BY THE YARD. 





a 

w O 

w > 
t) w 
• o 


«3 - 
> o 

P s 


1-1 
o 

? 2 

H 


WEIGHT, YARD'S 

Fanpouxo. 


4-4 Shotting*, 
*-8 Shirtings, 
Drillings, 


C. M. 
1 408 
1 155 
1 477 


C. M. 

4 073 

3 Sf« 

4 273 


0. M. 

6 4»l 
4 496 
6 747 


271 yards per 1%. 
2 -j* M 4< ** 



Arerago cost cf labor, per yard, 

•i «< « «* pound, 

Arerago ootrt off labor, stock and materials, ger y<L 

per lb. 



133 ceatfe 

423 

5«> 

1S»I 



STATEMENT OF GOODS SOLD DURING THE YEAR. 



*AQHJO*t SOLD LS 

Charleston, 

Aaguet#« 

HraaUoviile, 



£OU> IS ITSS 
HOILTTi. 

Sa&tmore, 
(far York, 

Total sake, 



YAKD3 SOLD. 



AM'TOF 8ALK9. 



2,646,028J 
g*n,6fl®| 
21,£99 



2,92&537 



60,458} 
8, 902 1 



1993,898 



$197,073 72 

18,672 81 

1,514 63 

217,841 16 



4,567 49 
331 71 



$222,240 36 



PRT., IHS. AND I NBTT PBGC'S** 
KS. OS? SALES. J OF 8ALES. 

fcltt'/8724| 



7,701 49 
1,797 23 



taea oas per e*ntl ©a 'amount of Northern rota, 
<£*!*• n-fttt pjaewds from «$ snieM, 



9,498 72 



293 96 
31 12 

S.929 80 



16.875 C& 
1,591 t$ 

207,842 44 



4,167 ikk 
300 69 

$212,310 6* 

235 ?3 

$212,074 F4 



39 

The cotton consumed for the ve$f amounted to three thousral, three hun- 
dred and eighty-nine (3, 'ISO) banes, weighing one million, three hundred and 
&"venfy*fivo thousand, throe hundred fvnd »ixty-five (i 37 ; V.3"I{V) pounds, the 
c*>s4 of which amounted to one hundred and twevty-two thousand and seven ■• 
ty- ight dollars and seventy-seven cents (^122.078 77), being an eveiMge of 
8 81*100 cents per pound, 1 34-103 cents per pound lower than tho prioe for 
1S53. 

There has been a greater demand for 7-8 shirting during the past year 
than at any former pcHttd, while the demand for drilling:-; has been prcpor- 
tionably loss. Our machinery it? now no arranged that we can change from 
ifcat kind of goods t:> the other without any expense or loss of time. 

Tito total goods manufactured during the year is shown in the precedln » 
table and amounts to three million, eight hundred and fifty-four thousand 
nad fifty-nine yards, (3,854,059), weighing one miliion two hundred and 
eight thousand, five hundred and thirty-sis pound*, (1,208,530;, which, de- 
ducted from the gross weight of cotton consumed, leaves a deficiency of oao 
hundred and .sixty-six thousar.d, eight hundroi and twenty-nine pounds, 
(d.o3,829), equal to 12 13-103 per cent. 

During the year there were one hundred and sixty-three thousand and 
ninety (103,000) pounds of waste Hold at an average of 3} cents, per pound, 
amounting to five thousand, seven hundred and eight dollars and eighteen 
»:cnts, (5,708 18). This, at the average price of cotton, viz: 8 37-100 cents 
per pound, would purchase sixty-four thousand, three hundred and fifty-four 
(£4,354) pounds. If this be deducted from the gross weight of cotton c/>n- 
sajued, the difference between the weight of cotton used and goods produced 
would only be one hundred and two thousand, four hundred and seventy-five 
(102,475) pounds, showing the rea>l deficiency to be e-quat to 7 81-100 per 
Goat of waste. 

DISBURSEMENTS FOR THE YKAE 1864. 

flash paid for cotton, ..... $121,254 70 

u «4. t* vrages to operative*, * 4$, 83 4 13 

**. '* " BftiarW, - 5,100 0* 

fa fee-rest account, ..... 10,701 23 

i^id commissions for baying cotton, ... 1,021 IS 

IjYeight on cotton and goods, - - * - 2,781 70 

i>rayage and other expenses on coiion, ... 308 22 

Paid commissions for gelling goods in CbarleeieB, - -3,041 48 

** m 1 per cent, on foreign sales, - - 235 72 

Insurance, arayage and other expenses, ... 1,772 21 

fopenses and commissions *n sales ia New York, - 31 12 

" " h ♦< Baltimore* - 300 96 

** ** •* ♦< Augusta, * 1,707 28 

kStuvlry e-xpenditores from Tttble A, 14,2-40 18 

0&A disbursements f»T exit-door operation.* B, - %% r iS 37 

JC«poadi tares for iavprovwig property, C, - 3,504 74 

$21<>,9-S0 M 



40 

TABLE A. ~€ASH PAID FOR SUNDRY SUPPLa\3 FOR MANUFAC- 
TURING, 

Paid for Shuttle* and Bobbin, - - . $5G1 65 

* s Reeds, Harnesses and Loom Tickers, - - 842 49 

44 Starch, - - - - 2,715 87 

* { Oil aud Tallow, - 6,185 00 

i4 Iron and Hardware, - 3-13 50 

si Lumber, ~ - - * - 872 3-8 

44 Belts and Lather, .... 805 97 

44 Burlaps and Twine, - - 1,8S8 66 

44 Fire wood, - * - - . 5C0 00 

41 Charcoal, - 96 00 

46 Brooms and Brushes, - - - _ - 137 38 

m Flannel and Holier Cloth, ... 272 28 

44 Hand Girds and Filleting, - - - 221 79 

•' White Lead and Turpentine, • 121 03 

" Stationary, - - - - - 40 11 

4i Sundry passages to Hamburg, - 24 65 

* .Edgefield, ... 1C 73 

" Contingencies, - - - C2 32 

-* Postage, • - SO 47 

$14,249 18 

TABLE B.- CASK DISBURSEMENTS FOR OUT-DOOR. OPERATIONS. 

Repairs on houses, streets and fence*. - ffjoSS 67 

'Re pairs on canals and dams, - - - - 139 45 

Labor in lttmber-yard and cutting drains, - - 88 64 

Fainting and white washing houses and fences, - - 660 2(i 

Materials for painting and white washing, - - 368 05 

Attending Legislature, "Wan. Gregg and witnesses, - 88 37 

Widening and improving canal embankment, - - 35 50 

Paid Cierk of Court for copying deed*, - - 20 00 

iLumber used I'or general out-door repair?, - - 82 8tf 

Labor in re-building griet mill, .... 23i) 24 

Labor on new warehouse and making railway, - - 154 63 

Repairs on cart?, wagons, and harnesses, - 49 47 

Lou., hardware, and tools for out-door work, - - f-0 C6 

Contribution to Methodist Church, - - 20 00 

Corn, hay, and fodder feu mules, - '426 49 

Quarrying stone aud improving waste way, » - 122 06 - 



#2,968 3/ 

TABLE C— CASH EXPENDED DURING THE YEAR IN IMPROVING 

AND ENLARGING THE -PROPERTY OF THE COMPANY. 
L&bor in building new jaw mill, - $194 42 

Circular saw and mill, - - - » - 446 f.0 

Fitting up aaw and tag carriage, - - - - 72 08 



41 



timber and shingles, - 

Building water trunks for water-wheel, 

Mason work on gate and wheel pit, 

Bricks used, 18,000 at $10 per thousand, 

Lime and cement for brick work, - 

.Making and fitting in large gate for trunks, 

Iron, for hoops to water trunks, 2,184 lbs., at 5^ cts,, 

Lumber for trunks, 10,711 feet at $10 per M, 

Drayage on wheel and fitting up, - 

Driving piles and making fore-bay, 

Excavating trenches for trunks and wheel pit, 

Draining lands, _____ 

Clearing and fencing land below canal, 

Buying up Bridge Creek, now rented, 

Paid for lightwood posts for fencing, 

Paid for new spring wagon and harness, - - 

Paid for three mules, 



24 14 


288 93 


100 07 


180 00 


209 92 


18 38 


120 12 


1G7 10 


107 82 


252 54 


305 73 


05 00 


97 12 


73 00 


233 20 


154 75 


390 00 



$3,494 74 



The population of our peaceful village continues about 830 souls, and 
nothing has occurred throughout the past year to interrupt the order and 
prosperity of the people. While their pecuniary and social condition is 
greatly improved, it is gratifying to observe the continued advancement of 
their moral and religious character. Our two churches, the Baptist and 
Methodist, are supplied with regular preaching, besides occasional services 
from Clergymen of other denominations.^ The Sabbath Schools have a full 
and respectable attendance of teachers and scholars, while the day school has 
been well kept up by an average supply of pupils varying from sixty to nine- 
ty throughout the year. 

As a proof of the improved social condition of the operatives in the Fac- 
tory, I may state, that the deposits in the Savings Bank amount to upwards 
of eight thousand dollars. These deposits are made up from the monthly 
•savings of the operatives employed by the Company. 

We have continued to enjoy our usual good health and happy exemption 
from accident or trouble of any kind. During the year there has been 8 
marriages, 41 births, and 36 deaths ; of the latter 28 were children and 8 
adults. 

The property of the Company is generally kept in good repair, no part 
hcing allowed to depreciate. Important improvements have been made dur- 
ing the year, besides valuable additions, especially a new saw mill and a 
water wheel. From the latter we anticipate most satisfactory results. The 
Factory is kept in its usual good order and repair, and there is no doubt but 
that the ensuing year will eq\ml, and probably excel, the preceding. 

JAM E S MONTG OME BY; Treasurer; 



Estate of Ker Boyck, 

Estate of Joel Smith. 

Hiram Hutchinson, 

Wm. Gkegg, 

13. McBridk, 

War. Wright, 

Estate of Robert Martin 

James Lam it, 

Howland & Taft, 

Edward Se bring, 

Wm. Smith, 

John W. Lewis, 

6, K. Huger, 

A. W. Thompson, 

>1. Gedings, 

Charles Kerrison, 

Otis Mills, 

H. It. Banks, 

J. J. Blackwood, 

A. B. Springs, 



42 



STOCKHOLDERS. 

Jt. A. Springs, 
W. Myers, 
A. B. Davidson, 
Levy Springs, 
Thos. I*. Allen, 
W. A. Wardlaw, 
Robert A. Wardlawv, 
Samuel Dickinson, 

W. H. GlLLILAND, 

Mrs. Emily Hatch,. 
Miss Mary C. Bell, 
Miss Jane D. Bell, 
James G. 0. Wilkinson, 
Joseph J. Wardlaw, 
Estate of Joseph Lyon, 
Estate of John McIlvajn, 
James II. Taylor, 

J'AMES JoNSS, 

E. M. Beach, 
Wm. Gregg, Jr. 






The Company adopted the President and Treasurer's report, and author 
rzed the Board of Directors to divide $42,000 of" the surplus, 12 per eent. on 
the capital, and issue scrip for the same, sixty dollars for each ehare, to be 
redeemed by the Company in new Stock, a]30, that they be authorized, at 
their discretion, to issue new stock and increase the capital $2^0,000, includ- 
ing the dividend scrip. Provided, that not more than one-half of $198,000 
be called for during the year 1855, the balance during the year 185G. That 
the shares be offered to the present stockholders before the books are opened 
to the public, each stockholder having the right to take, or to transfer Lis 
privilege- to subscribe for his private share of the new stock. 

The following gentlemen were elected to preside o^er the Company for tlie 
Quitting year t. 

WM. GREGG, President. 



fa. R, Taft, 
JS. McBridk 



DIRECTORS. 

J. G. O. Wilkinson, 
Rev. Jas. P. Boycc. 



COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE AQ0OHNT8 PREVIOUS TO NEXT ANNUAL MEETING. 

. J. Blackwood, j Jas. G. 0. Wilkinson, 

B. McBride.. 



The time of holding the Annual Meeting was then changed from 2nd Wed- 
nesday in March to the first Thursday after the third Monday in ApriL 



43 



CIIAPTEE V. 
OX PRACTICAL MANUFACTURING. 

In Mr. Gregg's remarks upon the subject of Manufacturing, he 
*issumes the position that a Cotton Mill, in order to succeed in mak- 
ing a dividend, must be well and efficiently managed. I take pleas- 
ure in fully according with him in the assertion. To give the details 
of the business, and various operations of the Machinery of a Cotton 
Mill would require a volume much larger than my present object 
would justify. But for the satisfaction of those who may feel anx- 
ious to know some of the rules and regulations, proper for the ope- 
ration of such an establishment, I will point out some of the bad 
management conuected with our mills; and will give my ideas how 
a Factory should be conducted. 

So far as my knowledge of the business in the South extends, the 
most prominent cause of failure to make money, is owing to the fact 
that the establishment is not made to produce the quantity of work 
the machinery is capable of turning off in a given time. Hence the 
cost of the production of the thread and fabrics, is greater per dozen, 
and per yard, than it ought to be. For instance, suppose A. B, has 
a Cotton Mill, of 1000 spindles, and 40 looms, and the establishment 
is capable of producing 9,G00 y'ds. of Osnaburgs, per week. But, 
suppose that owing to the inefficient management of the machinery 
<&c., it produces only 7,200 yards, while at the same time the general 
expenses, except cotton, and weavers pay, remain the same as they 
were when the production was 9,600 yards: "We will make an allow- 
ance for the weaver's pay, at % cent per yard. There being a differ- 
ence of 2,400 yards, and consequently $ 12 less per week. By ex- 
tending the calculation, we find the cost of producing a yard, would 
be l of a cent more than it should. Thus, it would be that A. B, 
would not only pay more for manufacturing a yard of Osnaburgs 
than he ought, but would also loose what he should have made on 
the 2,400 yards, (beyond the cost of cotton and weaving,) that his 
Mills were capable of making. The two items together, being over 
17 per cent on the investment; a very fair average yield of Southern 
Factories. And when you take this fact into consideration, which 
is the most prominent of those pointed out by Mr, Gregg, you need 
not be surprised at a failure to make money on investments in Cotton 
Mills, when good management is not strictly observed, and kept ap. 
c2 



44 

Tbe manufacture of Cotton is not the only business to which the fore* 
going suggestions apply, for in all pursuits you will find failure ine- 
vitable where the cost of the production of any given article is greater 
than its market value. You will find, by making the examination, 
that on many plantations, owing to the want of proper management, 
the actual cost of producing a bale of Cotton is greater than its worth 
in market. 

The causes which tend to produce a failure to make the quantity 
of work in a given time, are various. We will suppose A. B. builds 
a Factory which is in every way properly adapted to do good work, 
both as to quality and quantity, and capable of being operated at 
such rates of wages and other expenses that would show a satisfac- 
tory profit. In such case the general conclusion would be that A. B 
should make a fair dividend ufeon his investment. We will here 
give some of the particular instances of bad management, why A. B. 
does not make a fair dividend. 

Those who have had an occasion to notice these particulars, as Di- 
rectors, Stockholders and Proprietors will readily see and fully appre- 
ciate the facts here stated, and will at once know to whom they apply. 

First, A prominent cause why our mills do not produce the 
necessary quantity of work, in many instances is on account of com- 
binations, between the principal men employed, by which, means 
they manage to keep each other in situations which they are not com- 
petent to fill properly, and also to practice frauds upon their em- 
ployers, in various ways. And often such combinations extend to 
the operatives, vhereby they demand of their employers that which 
is not their just rites. I will here remark, that, in my opinion any 
man, or set of men, who would enter into a combination against their 
employers, are not worthy to be trusted in any responsible position. 

The most prominent reason why Factories do not produce the 
necessary amount of work, is owing to the incompetency of those who 
hold the control and management of their business, as is manifest- 
ed in a variety of forms. 

Second, Granting that a Cotton Mill is all she should be, a neg- 
lect to procure the proper kind of wood for steam, is often the cause 
of not producing the requisite amount of work, owing to the insuf- 
ficency of the power to propel the machinery at a proper speed. 
I have known instances when rotten \ nd green wood, (some too large 
to be forced in the furnace, and other mere brush.) was used for the 
generation of the steam to propel heavy machinery. The best con- 
structed Factories will fail to produce the requisite quantify of goods 
unless you have the proper supplies— and if propelled by Steam, no 



45 

one item is of more importance than the selection of good fuel. And 
while on this point I will mention a fact, which is well known to 
those acquainted with the subject, that most of our Factories propel- 
led by Steam have too little boiler surface, and "should at least be in- 
creased one fourth iu amount, so as to avoid the contingencies so often 
occurring in such establishments, growing out of irregularities in the 
motive power. 

T'hird, There are many well arranged Mills capable of doing good 
work, but one portion of the Machinery not being properly attended 
to, and consequently failing to perform its full share of the labor, 
causes all the balance to- wait, or run slower — hence a falling off in 
the quantity of work turned off in a given time, and an increase 
of cost per yard in manufacturing. For instance you may take (as 
I have often noticed) the Spreader Tender, where one only is employ- 
ei, and owing to his inefficiency or neglect at that post, the Carding 
is delayed, the Spinning being close up would be forced to stop, and 
of course the Looms would fail to yield or turn off the necessary 
cumber of yards per day. And the same principle will apply to each 
process of manufacturing through the entire Factory, and often more 
than enough to pay a half dozen good hands where the fault exists. 
. Fourth, In many small Factories where there is not a superin- 
tendent, who has charge of the whole Manufacturing department and 
the business being divided between two or three persons, fre- 
quently result in the overseers becoming negligent aud often get into 
difficulties as to their respective jurisdiction. One claiming authori- 
ty over the others work, he in turn refusing to acknowledge the right 
to be commanded, by which jealousies spring up, and result in confusion 
and a'consequent loss in quantity of work turned off in a given time. 
And when the owner or Directors call for an explanation of the cause 
why the goods are not produced, A. will charge the fault upon B. 
and assert that he has discharged his portion of the work well and 
faithfully. He then calls on B. for the cause, and he receives the 
same reply as from A. The owner or Directors, as the case may 
be, not being acquainted with the practical operations of the Ma- 
chinery, become confused by their technical excuses, — and having 
confidence in each one who has charge of his business, and not really 
knowing where the fault lies, lets the matter pass on and on, until 
the result is a heavy loss, and in the course of time a necessity of a 
change in management or an entire suspension of the business of the 
establishment. 

I would here remark that it is the duty of those who own C otton 
Mills, as well as any other property, when they find that those who 



46 

have charge of their business, do not so conduct it as to make it 
pay a reasonable per cent., they should at once dismiss them, and it' 
they cannot employ those who will perform their labor properly, to 
stop or suspend their'Factories, or business. By adopting this pi in 
they would find much more profit and much less imposition from the 
many scamps who are imposing upon a confiding people. It is par- 
ticularly a duty Factories owe each other, to give information of the 
incompetency, and in many cases swindling operations of those who 
are posting from place to place, offending community after communi- 
ty, with perfect impunity. 

Fifth, Another cause of failure to produce the proper quantity of 
work, is found in the neglect of the machinery, whereby it becomes 
so worn, out of order and dirty, that it is not capable, in such con- 
dition, to do the work that should be turned off. A portion of this 
neglect, in many instances, is chargeable to the owner or company, 
as they refuse or fail to provide such materials as are absolutely ne- 
cessary to keep the machinery in proper running order. In some 
small Factories they do not even provide a mechanic to do the ne- 
cessary repairs, but rely on one person to superintend the manufac- 
ture of the thread or goods, and also to make the repairs; when, 
not unfrequeutly, such persons are wholly incompetent, and if they 
were they could not do all the work properly. Such neglect causes 
the machinery to run harder than it otherwise would, and when 
there is only power enough to propel it when in proper running or- 
der, the result is a slower speed, a less production, an inferior quality 
and a greater cost per yard. 

Sixth, Another cause of failure to realize profits is that the ope- 
ratives do not perform their work in a proper manner. For instance 
— if the Spreader Tender should fail to weigh the cotton accurately, 
the result would be uneven thread, which will cause the spinning 
to run badly and a consequent greater waste, and if woven to cause 
delay and a loss in production, and hence a greater cost per yard. 
The same principles apply with equal force to each process of man- 
ufacturing. For instance — take singlings in the drawing — bad 
splicing in spinning, roller cutts of any kind — bad warping and dress- 
ing, and weavers crossing their warps — any one of which will cause 
a falling off in the amount of the production of a Factory — and the 
cost per yard is greater. I have visited Mills where all of the above 
and other bad habits were combined. To straiten up such an es- 
tablishment would require the labor of time and great patience, but 
this has been done in more than one instance. I will state 
that to break a hand of those bad habits is a more difficult task than 



47 

to learn and teach a raw one correctly. The old saying is very ap- 
plicable — "that it is hard to learn old dogs new tricks." For these 
reasons, how important it is in starting new Mills to teach each ope- 
rative correctly, and not permit them to contract those errors, where- 
by they cause more labor to themselves and produce so great an injury 
and loss to those who have them employed. 

Seventh, Another cause of failure to produce the quantity of 
work which should be, is often found to grow out of a general inter- 
ference, in some way or other, on the part of the owner or Company 
with the management of the operatives. You will find in every 
Cotton Factory some who are not disposed to comply with the neces- 
sary requirements, if they can find any chance to avoid the same. 
They will, on all occasions, complain of their condition, of what they 
are required to do, &c. — such unruly spirits too often find sympa- 
thizers in the person of owners and Directors. I have known in- 
stances where the operatives have been told they could do the work 
in their own way, and in some cases that they need not comply with 
the requirements of the manager, if they did not comport with their 
ideas of propriety. In all such instances the operative or operatives 
are of uj further -service to the establishment, but are really draw- 
backs to the interest of the Company — as every hand employed in 
the Mill knows that the person in charge is not sustained by the 
Proprietors. The consequent result is a general license for all to 
do is they please, which is sure to end in a failure en the part of 
all. to do what should be expected at their hands, and consequently 
th< cost ef production per yard is greater than it otherwise would 
k r ve been, had order and discipline been strictly observed. What 
etFect,is produced on a child, told by its parents when it is sent to 
school that it may or may not get its lessons — that it may comply 
with or disobey the requirement of the Teacher, just as it chooses, and 
in no instance shall it be punished by the Teacher ? What good 
could the child be expected to do ? I would remark, while upon 
this point, that it is my opinion, that managers and persons having 
charge of Factories should be sustained by the owners and Company 
in enforcing a compliance with the established rules and discipline 
among the operatives — and such other requirements as might be 
deemed promotive of the interest of the establishment. But should 
the Company or owner think such regulations not for the interest of 
the Mill, instead of taking sides with the operatives, should dis- 
charge such manager. No man should be retained in an establish- 
ment who cannot be sustained by the Proprietors in his requirements 
of the hands. 



48 

ffighth, Another cause of a short production of a Cotton Mill is on 
account of the operatives not getting to their respective machines 
and starting them in the morning, and at meal times, at the proper 
hour. Delay at such times not only causes their own machines to 
be idle during the time thus wasted, but also delays all the other 
machinery. Take, for an example, a girl who attends two sides of 
spinning — say 125 spindles — which are generally so arranged as to 
be upon two frames — and their stoppage causes 125 others to stop 
likewise — making 250 in all. 

Suppose the spinner is 15 minutes too late at one of the meals 
each day. What would be the result? The 15 minutes are l-48th 
part of a day- — and the 250 spindles being |th of the Factory, A. B. 
would loose |th of l-48th— -which is 1-192 part of a day's work. 
The days work being 1600 yards, a loss of over 8 yards would be 
the consequence. The value of the 8 yards being 11 cts. per yard 
- — making 88 cents. The cost of manufacturing the 8 yards has 
been paid for, but not produced. Take the value of the cotton and 
the commission from the 88 cents, and you have what you loose by 
the absence of one operative only and that for only 15 minutes. 
Thus the cotton to be used is 4 J lbs. at 9 cents — 40 J cents — to 
which add 10 per cent commission on the 88 cents — but we will call 
it 9 cents in all, making 49| cents — which take from the 88 cents, 
leaves 381 cents, more than the value of the girls wages for an en- 
tire day — it being for two sides 371 cents. This evil is very common 
with our mills ; and those who are interested can make their ovn 
calculations if they desire to test the correctness of this statement. 
I have known instances where hands have been absent two or thret 
times each day, from 15 to 30 minutes at each time. This evil was 
general throughout the whole establishment, which, as a matter off 
course, causes a less production per day. It will be found when one 
indulgence is submitted to, others will follow as a necessary conse- 
quence. 

Ninth, Another great cause why our Factories do not make 
money is on account of a general neglect, injury and waste of all 
descriptions of the property of the Company — including buildings, 
machinery, raw material — cotton in every stage of its manufacture, 
and often the thread and goods after they are made — the oils are 
spilt, being, in many instances, entrusted to children, (that is the 
drawing) — they being worth from $2.00 to $2.50 per gallon — the 
oils are often put in cups or cans which leak, and not unfrequently 
twice the quantity necessary is put upon the machinery, thereby 
saturating the rollers and making waste in consequence of the cotto'i 



49 

adhering and causing the covers to become loose and making bad 
work. Again, the wood, goods, raw cotton, waste cotton, which is 
valuable, oils and other articles, too tedious to mention, are appro- 
priated by many of the operatives, and in some instances, the persons, 
stealing them (for it is nothing less) are more extravagant in their 
use than if they had a legal right to apply them. For I am certain 
if they had to pay for them they would take far better care of them, 
and would not be near so lavish in their use. These are evils not 
necessarily applicable to cotton manufacture, and none, of them 
should be tolerated, for there is no cause why they should exist ; 
and where they are permitted and indulged to any extent the result is 
that the establishment is bankrupted. 

Tenth, Another cause why our factories da not make more money 
is, that they make their goods and thread too- heavy — using too much 
raw material. All leading articles, such as the different No's, of 
thread, and coarse fabrics, have a standard market weight. Now 
suppose A. B. has a Cotton Mill of 1000 spindles and 40 looms, 
adapted to the manufacture of 4-4 Osnaburgs, and that the market 
standard weight is 8 oz. or Jib per yard, and that he makes them 
weigh 8 J oz. per yard — adding a half oz., what would be the result 
in a years operation, cotton being 9 cents per lb. The capacity of 
the Factory being 1600 yards .per day— a half oz. on each yard 
would be 50 lbs — add the per cent for waste, which is 61 lbs., and 
you have a total of 561 lbs. — which, at 9 cents, is $5.061 — allow- 
ing 288 days for a years work and we have the sum of $1,458, 
as a clear loss to A. B. — the cost of the establishment being $25,- 
000 — we have 5 4-5 per cent per annum on the capital. Another 
reason is that too good an article of cotton is used in the manu- 
facture of our Osnaburgs. The prices are generally governed by 
Eastern mills, which turn oil this article out of very inferior cot tun, 

Another, no inconsiderable cause why many Factories do not pro- 
duce the requisite quantity of work is owing to the fact that persons 
who are employed as overseers or mechanics desiring to supercede 
their superiors. To accomplish this, their object, the general plan 
of operations is — -first, if an overseer wishes to displace a Superinten- 
dent, and be promoted to that position himself, he will throw as 
many obstacles as he possibly can in the way, to prevent the success 
of the establishment. Soon the work begins to go on badly — the 
Agent or President of the Company enquires into the cause — and 
the wolf in sheep's clothing, undertakes to explain why things are 
not getting on better — in a very cautious tone of voice, the whole 
cause why the Factory doe3 not do as well as it ought is charged to 



50 

the neglect or incompetency ot the Superintendent. There may 
have been some improvements made in the Mill by the Manager, 
$iuce the overseer was employed, which the scamp claims to have 
made himself; and will insinuate that if he were Superintendent 
that more and better work would be done, &c. A favorable im- 
pression is thus made upon the owners or Directors, by the false 
overseer. Things continue to work on badly as usual, while the over- 
seer, .day after day, is gathering hope, and the prospect of an eleva- 
tion growing brighter, till he seizes another expedient -to aid him in 
his villainy, which is to bribe one of his hands with a promise that 
if he is made Superintendent his wages shall be raised — to fire his 
action he is told that the present Superintendent is opposed to him 
and intends to discharge him. The young man is caught by this 
delusive promise, and you soon find him giving his profound opinion 
against his Manager, and warmly advocating the superior qualifica- 
tions of the scamp who has bribed him with a promise — the verdant 
youth feels his consequence — when, perhaps, if the truth was known, 
be has never seen a Factory before the one in which he is employed, 
and has never been ten miles from the black jacks which shaded 
the humble cabin in which he was born. The principal reason?* 
which induce the overseer to want the control of the establishment 
.are : First, that he will receive more wages. Secondly, that he may 
have a friend or some pet to put at the head of a good department, 
affording superior facilities for stealing — for all men who are so base 
will not only steal themselves but will encourage the vice in others, 
particularly in their pliant tools. 

xVnother device often resorted to by such men is, to propose to do th* 
work both of their present position as well as that of Superintendent. 
This, not un frequently strikes some Stockholder with great force. 
The object of the designer is not the prosperity of the establish- 
ment, but to be relieved of his accountability to a man who knows 
when he does his duty. Now suppose the owner or Company to be 
unacquainted with the practical operations of the machinery and 
business of manufacturing; and hence could not detect such neglect 
and swindling in the scamp; is it difficult to see to what it would 
lead? In this connection I would remark that quite a fruitful 
sou-tea of interruption in Factories is found in the confusion which 
is often produced by a class of persons who take more delight and 
interest in attending to other persons business than their own. One 
person of. this description can do more to disturb the business of a 
Factory than could be corrected with great labor and difficulty. No 
person can serve themselves (much less do others business) and a 



51 

Factory at the same time. Whenever a hand neglects the interest 
of the establishment in which he is employed, on account of his 
own business, he should quit ; and if he failed to do so he should be 
instantly discharged. 

Another reason why many of our Factories do not turn off the 
necessary quantity of work, and therefore fail to make the amount 
of money they ought, is on account of the machinery being run on 
different kinds of work. For example, I will state that I knew of 
a Mill of about 2300 spindles and 48 looms, manufacturing at one 
time the following different articles, viz : Thread from 'No. 300 to 
900, for market, Twilled Bagging, twilled goods, 7-8 Osnaburgs, 4-4 
Osnaburgs, 4-4 Sheetings, Batting, Woolen Janes, Woolen Linseys 
and Wool rolls — also grinding corn and wheat. Quite a complicated 
business for the amount of machinery ! I give it as my opinion that 
a Mill of the above size fro turn out one quality of work would yield 
a greater amount per spindle and per loom in a given time, than to 
put it upon a variety of articles. One reason why such a division 
should not be adopted in a mill is from the fact that Osnaburgs do 
not require the same quality of cotton as Sheetings. Your stock is 
therefore too good for the one or too bad for the the other. 

And still another cause may be assigned, why our Factories some- 
times fail to make the necessary quantity of work; which is a want 
of a sufficient number of operatives (not that they cannot be obtain- 
ed) but because the proprietors are unwilling to pay one more than 
enough to run the machinery, when all are well and at their work, 
which is not all the time. The result is that often one or two are 
sick or absent from some cause beyond their control, and some por- 
tion -of the machinery has to stop, which causes other portions con- 
nected therewith also to stop, and causing hands to leave for the want 
of steady work. There should be at least from two to three opera- 
tives for a Factory of 1000 spindles, and a larger number in proportion, 
kept in reserve in cases of sickness, or to take the place of those 
who might refuse to work properly. When such arrangements are 
made operatives generally do their work more cheerfully and better 
than they do when they think you cannot do without their services 
— no establishment, if it expects to make money should put itself 
under the control of the operatives — always control them. 

The last, though not the least, cause of a failure to make divi- 
dends in our Joint Stock Companies, is on account of the loose man- 
ner of conducting the financial affairs of the Company, in many in- 
stances there being no account kept of the products of the estab- 



52 

lishrnent, and often they are allowed to be sold by any one on the- 
premises; and again, the Company not having any cheeks by which 
they might detect neglect or fraud in their disposal, both of whick 
have been detectel in some instances, and is more liable in a Com- 
pany than in a private enterprise. This evil should be strictly guard- 
ed against, which can be effected by a very little trouble, in the fol- 
lowing manner, in the absence of a better mode : 

first, The manager of the manufacturing department should 
keep an accurate account of all the products of the establishment. 
If thread is made, the amount of each No. or size should be kept 
seperate, as each has a different price. Also the amount of each 
discription of goods, (if more than one kind is made) and of every 
article manufactured for sale, such as meal, flour, &c. 

Second, The manager should deliver ail the products, daily or 
weekiy to the agent or clerk, and take his receipt for the amount of 
each article. 

Third, The Agent should be required to keep his books so as to 
show each transaction, whereby the whole amount of products could 
be accounted for and at what prices each article was sold. 

Fourth, In giving orders for any articles in the establishment, 
they should be preserved by the person to whom directed and return- 
ed to the agent or clerk, and compared with the books, in order to 
ascertain if they were properly entered. 

By adopting the above regulations the persons having charge of a 
Company would have the temptation of fraud removed, and if hon- 
est men, they would feel a satisfaction in being able to account for 
all that passed though their hands, which would satisfy the stock- 
holders that their business was properly conducted in that particular. 
1 regard the above regulations, or some mode to accomplish the same 
object, of vast importance. 

These are some of the leading reasons why our Mills do not make 
money, all of which can and ought to be remedied. Those engag- 
ing in the business have the experience of many amongst us, who 
have demonstrated the practicability of manufacturing, and who are 
able to point out the causes which lead to failure, by which we can 
and ought to profit. 

I have carefully prepared the following table by which the manu- 
facturer or merchant can at a glance ascertain what his fabric weighs 
per yard. 



Yards. 


T3 


'^ H'cf 


CO CO CO CO CO CO to CO CO tO tO 


iC 


3.tj " h3 

5^ O r+ ^ 

q 

CO r? . . 


OU&3H -JfJji- CT.»3— C71*4-i ►H-t.JM s>itC(H L-.^*" — 'i-ij- CO**)- CCtC*-' 00 


v; 


CO CO CO C J h— 4*- 4>- H— 4- 4»- 4- ^4- 4-^ 4^ -f- 4- 4^ _ft— 4- C' C> 


§ 


"OO CO O CO "r-i i-J tO tO CO rfx 4* Ol Ci qj —1 OG CO CD h- 1 hr» 


CO ~ 


follow 
the pi 
ids. . 
3|, ai 


co cc h- 4*- -i~ 4* 4> 4- 4- 4»- #>- 4»> 4- _4- 4- 4*- 4> Oi en cn o< 




"o *<p H-» *-^ tO tO CO 4- 4*- On C < OS M GO OD C i— ' tO CO 


>f-H 


4> 4^ ^ 4~ ^ 4- 4^ 4^ rfi- 4- 44. 4*- ^ 4»- 4- cn on en on en o< 




o- c>j g g" 








*— ' M tO tO CO ii i|i Ci Ci CR H 00 OD O H H lv M »i 




a ?>W 


4^ 4>- 4>- *- 4- 4- h- 4^ 4- 4- 4>- 4- 4*- 4^ 0< en Cn 0< Oi Cn C< 




3 a '-3 








c-» to to ci co «- ci cn ci -i^'ac o i— ' to os 4* on 




O S,4,i 


4_ 4- *- 4> 4~ ri- 4- 4^ 4> 4> 4*- 4> C< Cyl CiyiiivipCiwi 

to co bo 4- i+- Cn c- ;•: s co cc co hh 10 co 4*- cn cs -4 


b 


pi 3: 


4_ 4_ 4.. *-. h_ ~ j+_ 4- 4- 4* 1 Cn cn cn on on cn p< cn pi cn 


^H 


43 


"cc Id- 4- 1 Ci C. --IQCCOO M LC O. 1^ Ci Oi <1 00 


■=* S. s= ^ 


4* 4V 4~ h_ 4- +- 4- 4x 4»- Oi Cn Ci Cn d Cn Cn Cn Cn Ci On Ci 










■"• © "^ _^ 


4- On Oi CR — 1 —3 CC CO CO 1—' to to CO 4*- Cn Ci -4 CO CO 




w ^. p ? 


4_ , — .4- 4- 4- *- 4- Cn on Cn On o< On on Oi On On en cn Ci Ci 




p ^ M '"' 




*>jft3 


en os os -a x co i-kto co 4^ o< ci cc -4 00 1—1 


4*. h_ 4- 4- 4- 4- 0< 0< Oi On en Cn Cn 0< Oi 0> Oi Ci OS Ci Ci 


)_! 




r-i 


2. rrao 


Ci ~4 -a OO CO CO . I-' r4> tO CO 4*- On Ci -4 00 CO >-» to CO 


4^. 4^ 4V 4- O* On On Cn On O i O < Ot O i O t On px Ci jTi Gi Ci Ci 




■^1 CO SO CS i— to CO 4^ on Cn OS ^T OO CO ►— ' to Co 4- 


^H 


P ^ C5 ^C 

5 % « .J 


rfi. 4- -- O'. Oi en Oi Oi On 0< On pi Cn pi Ci Ci Ci Ci Ci Ci Ci 




"CC. ~CD CO 'f- 1 LO CO n- "r~ o ■ a. -a CO O I— ' to CO 4^ "ci 


**-• 


_4». On O < pi O ■■< p O ( O i O i O i p i O ' pn OCC: p. pi Ci Ci as 




H^ 5 2 


co HHticoif on c;i ci -i»o h-» to zo 4^-0 1 et -i 


^ico 




O i p» 1 O < On O : On p pi 1 1 p < Ci Ci pi C3 pi Ci Ci Ci Ci 


h-» 


r- ^ 5 - 


i— 1 tO tO CO ir- On Oi Ci -t CO CO I- 1 tO CO 4- Oi Ci —1 CO 


to 


Cn On On On Cn Oi On On On On On Ci Ci Ci Ci Ci Ci Ci Ci Ci -J 




p p p N 








>->■ tO CO CO 4- Oi Ci — J CO CO O H LC Ci 4- On Ci CO CO 




£-^5 ™ 






P 5' p » 






p cr p 
eo ffl te ^0 
2 ^ ev> 

pOQ ^ Ci 


CO CO 4- Oi Ci Ci —1 OC CO 4^ i— ' tO Cv4-0lC3^J0C'O 1—1 




pn Oi Oi On O'i On On On Ci Ci Ci Ci O Ci pi Ci Ci Ci ^J j-J j-T 




4v *_ en £i —4 ~J CC CO 1— ' tO O0 4- On Ci ~-l CC ■ co r-^'CO 


*P 


Ot 0> On Oi pi pi i.CiC OS OS Ci C p Ci OS Ci j-1 j-] j-1 j-J 


_l 


"01 on V- -1 be be co .-I to co k.- en ci -1 .x c h to co ,+- 


CO 


en en 1 01 e 1 ! c- ci cs os cr- ss c. ps ps -J ~q --1 ^1 -j ^] 
ci --! ^? x co co h- to eo 4- cn ss co 1-4 to os en bs 


#+- DD 


!«»■■?. ;// 


Cn On On Oi Ci OS OS Ci p OS Ci Ci Ci Ci -1 -J -J ~-J -O ^ -j 




c ^ S 


~-i CC CC, --O t-^ tO CO 4~ 4^ On ^.1 CO CO ■ I— 1 tO CO 4^ Ci ^ 


ten 


Ci <-< ^C ^ 


On C< Ci Ci Ci CC p ~- C^ Ci C- Ci Ci -J —1 ~-I ^1 -( -i ^5 — i 




g g.3 i- 


CO CO CD )— ' to CO 4* Oi OS "-4 00 O I— 1 to CO (In C. CC CO 


m? 


on cs Ci Ci Ci os c c Ci Ci OS cs -~j -a — 1 -1 -4 ^; ^: -<i cc 

CO r— i-i te CO 4^ On CS —I CC CO H- 1 tO CO Cn Ci -^i CO 


4- 


2 r R 


Ci Ci Ci OS OS p Ci p C; Ci Ci -^ ^1 ; <l -J -4 -1 -1 vi X CC 




(-> tO tO CO 4- On Ci -J CC CO i-* tO 4-- 0< Ci -cj CO 


-i- 1 




01 os c Ci ci Ci c as c. ci -a -^ ^a -J! — t ^3 -cj =hi cc 00 00 




1— ' te co 4^ 4^- On cs —a cc 1— » co 4^ on cs — -1 co »-* co 


«H 


P-. Oj O J-.-5 


•Ci Ci O. Oi O Ci Ci Ci Ci —4 -J •<! ^1 •<! --1 ~-J -<{ CO CC CC 00 






tO CO 4v Oi OS Ci — I CO 'CO tO CO 4- Oi Ci CO CO 1— ' CO 4^ 


— ;.0 


C Ci Ci Q Ci C Ci M ^ ^ ^J -4 -1 -1 -,1 -J CC CO GO 00 O0 


I on 


CO 4- On Ci —J co O '— ' tO co rfi- en Ci —3 CO 1— ' 00 4»- cs 


Cn 


CJ c. p °° 


Ci Ci Ci Ci- Ci Ci -4 -J —J —I ~-< -J ^-1 ^J -1 CO CC CC CC' CC CO 


i ft^H 


crW 2 £ K 


41. On Ci --i CC' CO i- 1 to Z~ >4- Oi Ci 00 CO h-> CO 4> Oi -3 







OCiCCiCSMMMM~J-l-JHHCOCOCOQOCOCCCC 


^ 


>—> <rv CO 
~ On cr- 00 


Cn Ci -J CO CO 1— 1 to CO hx Oi Ci CC CO H « ^ Oi -1 00 




p ^ » v. 


O} O O Ci M <I -1 -Kl ^ -J ^1 -J cc cc cc 00 cto CC CO 
O-4G0O ►- to CO 4^ On -3 00 to CO 4x Oi ^J CO 


1 


S^ eo 


CiffiO<l-^<I<-T<l-J^^IM0ca'00C000 0C00CDC0 


1 s 


— 1 C cc ae 


-gcoc h te co ^ ci cc © ^ co 4*. on -j 00 1— ' 




»*-ac P 

? ^ s 

IS! O-l M p_ 


Oa^Kl-O-KIM^t^KlOCOCOOOOCCOOOOOOcO 


u*. 


00 CO 1— ' tO CO 4x Oi CS CC CO l-» tO 4x On -4 CO 1— ' CO 




CO 

O O CD -• 


O H M W If- Ci -I CC O H to co cn <I CO *- to 4x 


\^ 


<l<lS-]<I-tM-tM0000ffiC0C000C0CCD05CO 


j_*t3 


i- 1 tO CO 4- Oi ^"J CC CO m CO h^ Ci H CO *-■ tO 4^ Ci 




,5 ^c+^ 


-1 ^T *S5 ^4 ^J -4 ~T -J CC' 00 CO CO cc 00 .CC CO CO CO CO CO CO 


1 


t e co 4x en ci ^i cc h-> co 4- en -i co 1— > to 4- cs -1 


So? 


-J M -1 M ^ M M OO CC CO CC 00 CC CC C C O CC c c 


l*H 


?2 ^'2 


CO 4*- Cn OS -<f OO CO »>— » to 4x on ~4 CO to CO Ci ~i CO 


c - ? co 


M H H^KI H 00 CO 00 CO CO cc 00 00 -o CO C C O H 




Si = ° r^- 

2. -■ "S. ° 


4~CJiOS^JCOCO h to ^ o< O CC CO " to CO Oi -4 CO O 


^ 


S M -t M ^1 CO CO CO X 00 CC CO CC CO C C C O C ^ i- 1 


1 


0? ^ St 1 — * 


. O O' 


1 *-^> 




Cn CS -J 00 CO MtC4 On Ci -J c-O tO DO Cn Cs CC r— 


1 


ee co c 4*» 



54 

PRACTICAL MANUFACTURING. 
In order that I may be the better understood, and the reader hav© 
a more correct idea of the practical operations of a cottou Factory, 
J submit, for careful examination, three estimates, showing the eost, 
— the quantity of cotton consumed — the number of operatives em- 
ployed and the amount of earnings and expenses per week and year. 
Two of the estimates are suitable for plantations, and may be opera* 
ted by slaves or whites, to suit the peculiar notions of the planter. 
The other estimate is upon a larger scale — such as would suit either 
private enterprise m the way of a copartnership, or a joint stock 
Company. These calculations are based upon facts within my own 
personal knowledge, and are not mere paper speculations. 



CAPITAL STOCK $28,000. 

A FACTORY FOR SPINNING THREAD. 

A Factory of 1000 spindles, can be built for manufacturing thread 
of assorted numbers, including buildings, boiler and engine, and 
machinery complete — and warranted to produce 1250 doz. of assort- 
ed thread pe? day, of 12 hours, or 7,500 doz. per week and with tho. 
following number of hands, at wages and other expenses not exceed- 
ing the gross amount here estimated, except cotton — for the sum of 
twenty thousand dollars ; the balance of the capital, $8000, to be 
u3ed in the purchase of a site, building houses for operatives, pur- 
chasing cotton, and paying hands &c, for a commencement. 

ESTIMATE OF EARNINGS AND EXPENSES PElt 

WEEK. 

The product of such a Factory as described above is 7,500 dozes 
per week, and worth, when cotton sells for 9 cents, not less than 1# 
cents per dozen, for No. 500, which is 20 cents per. lb. §750 0$ 
The value of the waste for all purposes, 12 Oft 



Showing the total earnings to be $762 0& 

To manufacture 7,500 dozen thread, the average weight to be £tfe 
par dozen* the expenses- would not be far from the following esti- 
mate, viz : The weight of 7,500 dozen of assorted thread at JflL 
per dozen would be 3,T50lbs., but to this must be added the waste 
o£ cotton in its manufacture, which we will put at 12| per cent. rf 
that is 536 Ibs. ; . which, added, makes a total of 4,286 ft>5. ; grosS 



35 

weight, which is worth, delivered at the Factory, 9 cents, mak- 
ing ___.._ $385 74 
To propel such a Factory would require two cords of wood 

per day or 12 per week, worth SI. 50 per cord. 
For oils, leather, bobbins and materials for repairs as cur- 
rent expenses it will require per week 

Cost of material per week 
1 Manager of Factory per week, 
1 Fireman " 

I Engineer and repairer " 
1 Ginner& out-door hand il 
1 Spreader Tender " 

1 Card Stripper " 

2 Drawing tenders $2eack " 

3 Speeder tenders $2 2& " 
1 Roving Carrier " 

3 Spinners (2.sides) $2 25 " 

4 Heelers ". " 
1 Hanker and Bundler " 
1 Spare hand " 
1 Sweeper . " 
1 Common hand (man) " 
1 Watchman 'J. - - 
1 Overseer " 
1 Clerk " 

Insurance, say on one half of the cost of property, $10,- 

' 000, at 4 per cent per annum, equals $400, which, di- 
vided by 48, gives per week ... |S S3 

Interest ou the $3000, capital now productive, upon 
which we give 10 per* cent, mak*Dg $800 per annum, 
or- for one week - 16 67 

I set apart 4 per cent per annum on cost of property to 
constitute a sinking fund for keeping the property at 
original value, to be applied at the option of the owner, 
which is $800 per annum, or per week - - 16' 07" 

To cover all expenses of sales and guaranties, I give 10 

per cent on the gross sales of §762 - - 76 29 

Total expenses per week §655 GI 

If hich deducted from the gross earning, as shown above, 

leaves the e«m of - $106 4$ 





IS 00 


as cur- 






18 00 


- 


$421 U 


$16 00 




4 00 




12 00 




4 00 




4 00 




4 00 




4 00 




4 50 




1 50 




18 00 




9 00 




3 00 




2 00 




1 00 




4 00 




5 00 




10 00 




10 00 






S1!fi na> 



u 

Multiply tins sunTby forty-eight, the Dumber of laboring 
weoks per year, and you will have the sum of $5,107 20 
per annum, which is equal to 25J per cent on the cost 
of $20,000 — an investment as secure as personal prop. 
erty generally. 



CAPITAL STOCK $35,000. 
A cotton Factory of one thousand spindles and forty looms, rbi" 
the manufacture or 4-4 Osnaburgs, can be built for the sum of 
825, 000—- which will include the buildings for the machinery, the 
boilers and engine, and the machinery used and necessary for such 
an establishment; the machinery set up and made ready for opera- 
tion. Five thousand dollars of the above capital would be required 
to purchase a site, wood lands, and to build tenements for the opera- 
tives. The remaining $5,000 would be ample in the South to 
carry on the business, for supplies aad paying laborers, as it may be 
turned over every few weeks. To meet any contingent or greater 
a mount, you have the allowance of 10 per cent on the sales, which 
is in part made up by advances on the goods, when they are not a 
ready sale. And I will guarantee such a Factory to produce the 
following amount of goods per week, and to be operated at an ex- 
pense not exceeding the following estimate. The time of labor per 
day is 12 hours and per week 72 hours. 



ESTIALLTE FOR ONE WEEK'S EARNINGS AND 

ENFENSES. 

Such an establish aient will turn off to each loom, of 4-4 Osna- 

burus, weighing J lb per yard, 40 yards per day, making in ail per 

week 9,000 yards, and worth 11 cts. per yard, - £1,856 00 

The waste cotton for all purposes, is worth - . 14 00 



Gross earnings per week - - - $1,070 00 

The expenses of running such an establish merit, produc- 
ing the above work would be not far from the following 
estimate, and I warrant they shall not exceed the gross 
amount. 

EXPENSES. 

Fur wood, 18 cords, worth $1,50 per cord, $27 00 

1 Fireman per week - 4 00 



57 
1 Engineer and repairer " * 12 00 



1 Ginner 

1 Spreader Tender 



Card strippers, $4 each, 



2 Drawing Tenders, $2 each, " 

2 Speeder « $2,25 each, << 

1 Roving Carrier " 
8 Spinners, $2,25 each, " 

2 Doffers $1.50 " « 
2 Spooler Tenders $2 each, " 
1 Warper u 
1 Sweeper " 
1 Second hand u 
1 Overseer or Boss " 

1 Sizer and Beamer u 

1 Drawer in or Reeder u 

20 Weavers i ct. pr. yd. $2,-10 " 

1 Spare or extra hand " 

1 Quill Carrier " 

1 Cloth Trimmer and Bailer " 

1 Sweeper " 

1 Overseer or Ross " 



1 Cart horse and man " 

1 Watchma:.! " 

1 Clerk 

1 Manager or Superintendent a 



Oils, Leather, Reeds, Bobbins, and materials for 

repairs per week * 30 00 

Wear of machinery 4 per cent a - 20 00 

Insurance " - 10 -00 

Commission of 10 per cent on sales of $1,070 107 00 
I give interest on the $10,000, which is used in the 
investment, for lands and tenements, for the ope- 
ratives, at the rate of 10 per cent pur annum, 
which is, per week - - - 20 84 



The nett weight of the 9,600 yds. would be 4,800 
lbs., but to this must be added the waste which 

D 



$43 00 



$75 00 



$80 0© 



$50 00 



$187 84 



58 



allow to be 12-2 per cent, or 68'6 lbs. totals imrai- 
ber of 5,486 lbs. at 9 cts. each, is 



Gross expenses per week ... '- - - £i>29 5' 

From which deduct amount of gross earnings, as 

before shown, and you have left ' - - $110 4' 

Which multiply by 48 and the result is $6,740 16 

per annum, or 26 per cent per annum. 

( will here remark that a Factory of 2000 spindles and 80 loon: 
ean. be built for the sum of $45,000, which will produce twice tl, 
amount of fabrics, and the gross expenses would not be doub 
those to> run the one of a 1000 spindles and 40- looms. 




'^stiiiP 



d2 



61 

CAPITAL STOCK $175,000. 
A Cotton Mill, complete, of 6000 spindles and 200 looms for 
manufacturing yard wide sheetings. The fabrics made of No. \h 
yarn, and weigh 3-lb. per yard, or 3 yards per lb. For a sample of 
the building I refer to the cut, which is a representation of the 
late Tennessee Manufacturing Company's building, at Lebanon, 
©f which S. D. Morgan, Esq., was President, and to whose kind- 
ness I am indebted for the cut, from which the dimentions can at 
©nee be seen. This can be built for the sum of one hundred and 
twenty thousand dollars j and I will warrant each loom to produce 
33J yards per day of 12 hours, or for the 200 per day, 6,666f yards, 
©r per week 40,000 yards. The $55,000 to be used in purchasing 
a site, erecting tenements for operatives, and the balance in con- 
ducting the business. 

The earnings of this establishment would be, per week, as follows, 
to wit ; 

40,000 yds. 4-4 Sheetings at 8J cents per yard, - $3,400 00 

Allowing for waste i on the gross weight of cotton, 1905 
lbs., it being worth to the establishment i of its origi- 
nal cost, - 57 15 



Amount of gross sales ... $3,457 15 

The expenses would be about as follows, per week: For 
Cotton, the net weight of 40,000 yards would be 13,- 
333£ lbs., and to this must be added the loss or waste 
of i- or 1905 lbs., making in all 15,238 lbs, at 9 cents 
per lb would be - $1,374 42 

It would require 60 cords of wood, worth $1,50 per cord 90 00 

For supplies, oils, leather, flour for sizing, materials for re- 
pairs, &c, in order to keep machinery in good order, 150 00 

Amount of supplies, ... $1,611 42 

Amount for labor, each hand finding him or herself : 

For Card Room, 

1 Willow Tender per week - $3 00 

4 Spreader Tenders, $4 each, " - 16 00 

1 Card Grinder " - 6 00 

4 Card Strippers, $4 each, " - 16 00 

4 Drawing Tenders, $2,50 each, " - 10 00 

8 Speeder Tenders « " " - 20 00 

1 Eoving Carrier " - 3 00 

1 Spare hand « - 3 00 



62 



2 Sweepers, $1 each, " 


- 


2 00 


1 Overseer or Boss Carder " 

u 


?Wl. 


12 00 


For Spinning Roc 




40 Spinners and Doffers at $2 per week 


- 


$80 00 


2 Spare hands at $3 " 


- 


6 00 


4 Bobbin & quill carriers $2,50 " 


- 


10 00 


2 Sweepers $1 " 


- 


2 00 


1 Second Overseer " 


- 


6 00 


1 Overseer or Boss " 


m. 


12 00 


For Dressing Hoc 




8 Spooler Tenders at $2 each per week 


- 


$16 00 


8 Warper " $3 " " 


- 


24 00 


8 Dresser " $4.50 " " 


- 


36 00 


4 Eeeders, or Drawers in, $3 " 


. 


12 00 


1 Sweeper, " 


- 


1 00 


1 Overseer or Boss, " 


n. 


9 00 


For Weave Rooi 




SO Weavers at $2.50 each per week, 


- 


$200 00 


2 Sweepers " $1.00 " " 


- 


2 00 


2 Second Overseers $6 " 


- 


12 00 


1 Overseer or Boss " 




15 00 


Cloth Room. 




3 Cloth Trimers, at $3 per week, 


- 


$9 00 


1 Baler " 


rers. 


6 00 


For Sundry Laho' 




2 Fireman at $5 each per week, 


- 


$10 00 


1 Engineer " 


- 


12 00 


3 Mechanics at $12 " 


- 


36 00 


2 Laborers at $4.50 " 


- 


9 00 


1 Watchman " 


- 


7 00 


1 Clerk & Book-keeper, " 


- 


15 00 


1 Superintendent or Manager 


- 


30 00 


1 Agent and Treasurer 


- 


30 00 



$9100 



$116 00 



$98 00 



$229 00 



$15 00 



Total amount for labor, 
Total number of hands 208. 



$149 00 

$698 00 



63 



Other Expe7ises. 

Interest on $5-5,000 at 10 per cent per annum, for 

1-48 part of a year is $114 58 

Insurance on $80,000 at 4 per cent per annum, 66 6? 

1 allow to keep the property at its original value, 
4 per cent to be set apart as a sinking fund, 
which is upon 8120,000, for 1-48 part of a 
year, 100 00 

I allow for taxes and whole cost of sales, interest, 
advances with a guaranty, per week, 10 per cent 
on $3,457 15, which is 345 71 



$626 96 

Making a total of expenses per week, $2,936 38 

Which deduct from gross receipts, and we have 

left the sum of $520. 77, which, multiplied by 

48, gives, as the net profits per annum, $24,996 96 

Which is nearly 21 per cent upon 8120,000, the 

original cost of construction &c. 

I deem it proper here to remark that sheetings at this time are 
not as profitable as Osnaburgs, but they wi)l more certainly sell at 
all seasons of the year, as it is an article every family, and nearly 
every person in the Union consume. 

By carefully examining the foregoing estimates you will find the 
expenses are above those usually for labor — and I know them to be 
over the average prices in Tennessee and the South generally. You 
will likewise find that I have made an allowance of 4 per cent on 
'the original cost of the Factory, for the creation of a sinking fund. 
This is unusual in the South, the whole being received as profits — ■ 
this, in my judgment, is not advisable, but that a given amount 
should be deducted in order to keep the property always at its original 
value — or, if thought expedient, vested in such improvements as 
will keep the estate at its prime cost. You will also find an allow- 
ance of 10 per cent on the gross earnings of the establishment for 
coinmissons, which is greater than is usually paid, whatever of this 
sum you could save in this way, would be a clear gain. You will 
likewise observe that a large amount has been set apart for sundries 
— this will keep the machinery in perfect running order. An allow- 
ance for a Watchman and Insurance to make the investment securely 
safe, as much so at least as individual property can be. On the cost 
of the site, and dwellings for the operatives and cash capital, have 
been allowed 10 per cent per annum as a part of the expenses— - 



64 

amounting to $5,500 per annum, which is also as safe as individual 
estate. The time allowed for running the Mill is less by two weeks 
than is usually estimated; hence, should you be able to run 50 weeks 
so much the better — so much- more profit. Without some accident 
or misfortune, you can run the whole fifty weeks. Perhaps it may 
be said you cannot run 48 weeks with bad luck or accident, and 
therefore your calculations are not reliable. But suppose this to be 
the case, which is not granted, your expenses would also cease, ex- 
cept those of repairing damages &c. I will here remark that Cotton 
Mills, like all other machinery, get out of repair ; but not so often 
as some would imagine, when they are properly conducted — at least 
we judge the future by the past. The average running weeks of 
well regulated Factories are not less than 50 per annum. 

The question might be asked, are you sure that a Factory of the 
dimensions just given, could produce the quantity of goods stated? 
I can, in addition, only state, that I would give bond and security to 
that effect. I base my confidence in the deduction from what I have 
done under like circumstances. I have taken off more work at less 
expense per yard than is given in the foregoing estimate. 

The point to which your attention is called, is whether the margin 
between the price of cotton and that of fabrics is large enough, 
after paying the given expenses of converting the cotton into any of 
the articles which we have mentioned. Take for instance the esti- 
mate. If you can build a Factory of certain dimensions, and put a 
certain amount of machinery in operation — and that machinery pro- 
duces a certain quantity of goods — and all the expenses do not ex- 
ceed a given sum — the result being satisfactory — what point is then 
left to settle in regard to the profit and expediency of manufactur- 
ing. If you will but compare the above estimates with those made 
by any practical manufacturer, my word for it, you will find them 
more liberal upon the subject of expenses. And I now, in all 
candor, ask, do not the results show larger and more remunerative 
profits than you can expect to realize from your farms, investments 
in the mercantile line, or any other honorable and regular pursuit? 
We answer they do ! 



65 



CHAPTEE VI. 

OPERATIVES CAN BE OBTAINED AT LOWER WAGES 
IN THE SOUTH THAN JN THE NORTH. 

THE RATE OF WAGES TOR WHITE OPERATIVES. 

The value of white labor in the South for Factories is about 50 
per cent lower for each hand, than it is in the Northern States, where 
manufacturing is more general, and conducted on a more extended 
scale. The cause of this lower rate of wages in the Southern States 
for this class of labor is quite obvious and evident to any one who 
will take the trouble to fully investigate the subject — which we pro- 
pose briefly to do. 

First, These being slaveholding States, the wealthy purchase and 
hold slaves for domestic as well as agricultural labor; and hence, 
there is no demand, comparatively, for white servants, or labor, as is 
the case at the North, or in the free States. This fact of itself is 
the principal cause why common labor is lower here than there. I 
draw a distinction between common laborers and mechanics, where 
there is a demand not only in manufactories, but also in the domes- 
tic and agricultural pursuits. As a proof of the correctness of the 
position which I assume, I here insert at length a table, taken from 
the census reports of the year 1850 — which you can analyze and 
make your own deductions. 



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07 

As labor is as much an article of commodity as any in trade, SUp- 
ply and demand, as a general rule, govern the price. Elcnce, in 
the South, there being comparatively no demand for this class of 
labor, there is not as high a price for it, as at the North where the 
demand is much greater. 

Second, I am sustained iii my position by actual results and 
experiments. For in all cases where manufactories have been ei 
t(ul and put into operation in the South, and the proprietors <i< 
white operatives they have obtained an ample supply, at rules rary- 
mg from 50 cents to $1.50 per week and boarded, or from $] 00 to 
$3. GO and the operative board herself. !n this, as well as in all 
Communities, the employer of labor secures it at as low rates as the 
laborer will engage tor. And as the manner of living of this 
of persons is a plain and frugal one — their chief food being that 
which is the most nutricious, viz : bacon, corn bread, and vegct 
which can be obtained here at much cheaper prices than ;in\v> 
else — their clothes being of the plainest and most serviceable 
and purchased at very low rates the operatives can support them- 
selves with more of the comforts and luxuries of life than they lid 
previous to being employed in the Factories, and at the same time, can 
afford to work for less per week than operatives at the north who 
have to pay higher prices for their food, and live in the style which 
custom has established there among this class. 

It may appear strange to those who are accustomed to livin < 
luxury and abundance — having never known what it was to wan; r 
the good things of this life, nor been pinched by the sharp talons of 
penury — that any one could be fed and clothed upon as small amount 
as I have shown above, although the fact is sustained by the census 
reports. Let us examine this subject a little further in a pra 
point of view. 

Have you ever visited the abodes of the poor? If not, do 80 r 
your own good, as well as full and satifactory proof upon this sub- 
ject. If there are no such persons in your own neighborhood, you 
may find them without much difficulty if you desire, for their houi is 
are numerous and not far between. Come, go with me to yon I •; 
cabbin, which you may observe by easting your eyes across this old 
barren field, which has the appearance of having been deserted 
after the first settlements upon the Continent. The cabbin, as (Ma- 
approach draws nearer has the umnistakeable marks of dilapidation 
upon its exterior — the rude clap-board roof is in great need of repair 
— the place where once swung the undressed plank door up 
wooden hinges, (having been erected By some more fortunate tens 



68 

wo see suspended an old weather beaten quilt — you observe that the 
greater portion of the stick chimney has fallen down — the logs 
in the building have decayed so that nearly all the chinking has 
tumbled out, and through the cracks of which 3'ou see the little in- 
mates peeping, curious to know our errand. Friend, notwithstand- 
ing the dreary appearance of this hovel, let us remove this quilt door 
and enter — hesitate not, for though poverty and destitution may 
dwell within, they are not unfrequently the cohabitants of virtue, 
worth and honesty — you need fear no contamination, come ! You 
observe we are politely invited by the lady of the house to approach 
the fire and be seated. The children are directed to get out of the 
way and make room for the strangers, which they do with consider- 
able disorder and confusion — running against, and across each 
other's orbits, but finally all huddle around the old lady when quiet 
is restored. We are seated upon stools near the fire-place, which 
looks more like the entrance to some huge cavern. After the usual 
salutations as to health, weather, &c, we will take a survey of the 
interior of this log cabbin and its inmates. 

The first object with which our attention is attracted being the 
fire place, as it is rather cold and a tolerable fire burning — its 
dimensions being about six feet and large enough to accommodate 
the entire family and a dog or two — the fire irons are constructed of 
stone, and the hearth of dirt — the floor is made of what is known 
in pioneer parlance as "puncheons," which, being nothing but split 
logs with the fiat side "upturned," leaving crevices through which 
the urchins feet can, and do frequently slip, and are extricated with 
no other damage than lacirated shins and scarified ankles — the ceil- 
ing overhead consists of rough edge plank, laid promiscuously on the 
poles which answer the place of joist, covering about two thirds of 
the space. There is not a pane of glass in the Cabin, the light 
being admitted through the space between the logs — the whole inte- 
rior beinc: rendered sombre from the effects af the misguided smoke 
— to one not accustomed to such sights it is emphatically foreboding 
of every thing which poverty could depict. 

The next object is the meager furniture of the tenement. There 
are three bedsteads which are constructed as follows: four forked 
poles are driven into the groud, passing between the puncheons, the 
forks are so arranged as to receive side and end poles, thus firmly 
uniting the frame work, across which smaller poles are placed, which 
answer for cords. The bedding consists of coarse home-spun ticking 
and filled with chicken feathers, the under tick being filled with 
straw and leaves. The covering is of quilts composed of every color 



69 

and hue, as well as every quality of material, arid is in fit keeping 
■with everything else pertaining to this primitive couch. At tha 
farther end of the Cabin there are shelves, which answer the 
purpose of bureaus and wardrobes, and upon which is stowed the 
surplus clothing of the family. At regular intervals around the 
room about a half dozen old chairs are arranged as if to make a dis- 
play. These are only used upon particular occasions, the three legged 
stools being the every day seats. A rough plank dining table is the 
next object which would attract your notice — this is well braced to 
prevent it from falling, and will seat six persons at a time, and will 
answer one hundred other purposes of which the wealthy never 
dreamed. Be patient ! A few other homely articles of furniture 
and the whole picture will have been drawn. There are a square 
chest, a box &c, for sundry purposes, but principally for store houses 
and the .like— the cooking utensils, probably a skillet, an oven and a 
dinner pot, all told. The table ware, last, though not least is dis- 
played upon a shelf, as if arranged in its most imposing attitude in 
imitation of the salesman, and may be numbered by plates, cups and 
saucers, knives and forks and some antiquated tin ware. The whole 
of this furniture if exposed to sale would not bring over ten dollars. 
What an instructive fact ! Having completed our survey, finished 
asking questions, and noted our observations in our memorandum, 
dinner is announced and we are very politely invited to partake of 
their frugal hospitalities ; which we accept as a matter of course, for 
a refusal would be construed into the idea by the whole family that 
we held ourselves above them, for, than those of whom we speak, no 
people are more truly sensitive. We take our places at the table, 
with the older members of the family, the juveniles being directed 
to wait for the second table, as there is not room enough for all. 
The humble meal consists of about one pound of bacon, boiled with 
a head of cabbage, and three dodgers of corn bread ; there bein^ 
neither vinegar, pepper nor salt on the table. After appeasing our 
appetites we withdraw from the board, and then, like a herd of 
young Buffalo, young America comes rushing to fill the vaccuum 
created by our removal; they being stout and hearty soon satisfy 
their longing desires. The highest market value of the entire meal 
would not exceed twenty-five cts. off of which eleven persons had fed. 
But let us recur to the most interesting part of the whole subject, 
that is the respective members of the family. They consist of hus- 
band and wife, and nine children ; be not amazed, for this class of 
persons, for many reasons which might be assigned, is very prolific. 
We propose to give a brief description of each one of this Cabin, 



7a 

or household. The man is about 50 years of age, healthy and 
fttforig, and now sits in the corner chewing tobacco, with a dog lying 
by him — the garb of the old gentleman is of home manufacture — 
pants of cotton and coat of Janes, both of which are antique and 
bear the marks of laborious patching — his appearance is simple, hav- 
ing no prominent traits of character — deportment indicating great 
want of energy. To totalize him, he was a quiet, ease-serving, in- 
dolent man, but quite at ease in conscience. It being late in the 
fall season and the crops garnered, the old gentleman had but little 
to do except to provide fuel and tend his stock, interspersed with an 
occasional hunt. Thus situated, he seemed happy and contented 
with his condition, but to some others how different would appear 
the picture ! The wife and mother is a woman of some forty odd 
years. From her general appearance, I should think she had been 
and was still a hard working, industrious lady, and deserved a much 
better fate. Her apparel was fabricated by herself and daughters, 
ftut of plain cotton. She is now spinning cotton for family purposes, 
at which she seems to be very expert and makes about six cents per 
day. She, too, wears the ever-pleasing smile of blessed contentment, 
and is much happier, in point of fact, than a Queen upon her gui- 
ded throne. 

Next in order comes a son, full grown, who appears to regard the 
world with the contempt of indifference. His dress, as is usual, is 
better than that of his father. This young man is now at work for 
himself, and has just completed a job of cutting and splitting rails 
for a neighbor — his wages are about sufficient to keep him in powder 
and lead — whiskey, under the inliueuce of which he is now laboring, 
and cares "nothing for expenses." He is about to be married t« 

*|;.s l j a neighboring lass, whose circumstances are not as good 

as his own, as she is without a reputed father, and has been under 
hid influences at home. 

A boy of some five or six summers is playing in the corner with 
a younger sister, both thinly clad and bare foot, with uncombed heads 
for weeks passed. Iu a roughly constructed box hard by, you find a 
f hild apparently one year old. Of these three it isneedless further 
to remark as they have formed no character. 

Here are four grown daughters who have been raised by these 
poverty-stricken parents. The eldest has been married for several 
years, but from the severe abuse, maltreatment, of a drunken, bru- 
tal husband, has been compelled to flee to the parental roof, such as it 
is, for protection. She was left the alternative of either bearing the 
insults of the pretended husband, and by her sole labor to support 



71 

herself and him., or to "eonae home" to her parents. She looks de- 
jected and broken in spirits. She bears the marks of more years 
than should of right mar that once placid and contented brow. No 
one can see but to pity and commiserate her forlorn and hopeless 
condition. Bat we desist, as such pictures are already familiar with, 
most readers. The other three vary about two years ia their re- 
spective; ages. One of them, dressed in a plaid cotton, is in the ad 
of leaving for a neighbor's house, where she has procured the use of 
a loom for weaving a web for the family. The other two, neatly 
dressed in home-spun, are carding cotton for their mother, which 
they seem to do with facility and rapidity. One of these girls is as 
good looking, well formed, and as graceful as ever adorned a hovel 
Just at this time one of the girls start for a neighbor's to act in the 
capacity of nurse for his wife, who has been taken very ill with 
fever — her wages 50 cents per week. Another small girl is quilling 
cotton for her sister to weave. Thus we have portrayed the charac- 
ter, appearance, and present employment of each member of this 
family, which, to say the least of it, will not be envied by any one 
of my gentle readers. 

The farm is owned by the old gentleman, and consists of about 
160 acres of badly worn and poor soil. The fences stand in emi- 
nent need of repair, and it is required that one person be constantly 
employed to prevent the invasion of stock, and the consequent dis- 
truction of the growing crop. The average yield being about one 
barrel of corn to the acre, owing greatly to the man'uer of cultivation. 
The stock of the famil/ consists of one old mare, which serves the 
plough, slide, saddle and every ether purpose required by the neces- 
sities of the tenauts of this humble habitation, as well as to stand 
mother to a colt, annually for the last ten years — a cow and calf, 
which afford a stream of life for the nourishment of the little ones— 
a few stock hogs, as sharp and thin as herrings, owing to the fact 
that their subsistence is acorns, which are scarce, and hard to procure. 
Two hogs are penned for fattening — this is the sole hope for meal 
for the ensuing year, and, as corn is scarce, the quantity of lard will 
be small, and the meat lean. A small number of hens and cock, 
with a portly and game exterior, sums the fowl tribe of this hon*e- 
htead, ami to whkrh, if you will add, two cats and three dogs, the 
stock is all told. 

The last part of our examination is to inquire into the education 
»f the family. We are frankly informed, by both the gentleman 
and lady, (for she, like most of women, will answer when questions 
are put) that neither of them had ever been to school, and co-'d 



72 

neither read nor write ; but that their children had been more favored, 
for they had sent them to school several sessions — that the girls had 
learned to read a Bible which a neighbor had given them. This 
and a spelling book Were all the books in the house — no newspapers 
or any thing of the kind to cheer the lonely hours, and store the 
mind with useful knowledge. To them the great of passed timeSj 
and their mighty deeds — the reign of kings — the succession of revo- 
lutions — the discoveries of the wise and the inventions of the 
shrewd were all unknown. A family without education, how pain- 
ful the thought — if it be difficult to succeed in life with it, how is 
it possible to succeed at all without it ? 

We have now completed our survey, and take my word for it, it is 
no fancy sketch. As to condition, in respects to comforts, necessa- 
ries, education, information &c, there are thousands of families in 
the slave States Who do not occupy as independent positions as the 
one which we have described. 

And now it may be asked what object we have in being so minute 
and particular in giving the description of a log cabin, its occu- 
pants and family contents. It is", first, for the purpose of showing 
that such persons would be in a far better condition throughout the 
entire southern States, if they were brought together in manufactur- 
ing towns and villages. Here they could find constant employment, 
at such remunerative prices as to afford them more of the necessa- 
ries, comforts and pleasures of life. It would also afford an oppor- 
tunity to the younger members of such families to attend the schools 
for the poor, and avail themselves of all those means which are aided 
by the wealthy for the instruction of the indigent. And thus they 
would grow up in the midst of industry, activity and education, and 
become imbued with those ideas and habits of go-a-headitiveness^ 
to use a vulgar expression, which so eminently characterizes the 
American people. Secondly, to show that there is a class of persons 
now in our country, unprotitably employed, who would seize with 
avidity any opportunity of improving or bettering their condition — 
that it is the duty of those possessing the means and ability to afford 
that opportunity, when they will not only not injure themselves, but 
greatly promote their pecuniary interest, is a proposition too self-evi- 
dent to require argument. 

Most of my readers, no doubt, are aware that of the frequent 
assertion that our Southern white people will not labor in manufac- 
tories — ^that they will not submit to the usual hours of labor, and 
comply with the rigid regulations necessary for the management and 
control of such establishments with success. It is needless for me 






73 

to observe that there are many cotton Mills already in operation in 
the South ; and it is equally needless for me to assert to those who 
are familiar with the subject, that operatives in Southern Factories 
labor longer hours than they do in New England, and longer in New 
England than they do in Great Britain. As regards their willing- 
ness to labor and comply with the necessary rules and regulations, I 
will speak hereafter. 

Thirdly, that by such change of avocation, such persons would 
greatly increase the value of their labor. To prove the proposition, 
I will institute a comparison of the result of their labor at home, 
with their cards, spinning-wheel and loom, and that in a cotton Mill. 
For this purpose I will select a lady who is dependent upon her own 
labor for a support, as many of that description can be found. 

To manufacture a piece of plain cotton Osnaburgs, or what is com- 
monly known as homespun, of 50 yards, would be worth to her, as 
she has to barter it off in a store, 15 cents per yard, making $7.50. 
The cost will be about as follows : For carding and spinning, sup- 
posing she can card and spin twelve cuts, or one dozen per day, forty 
days. To size, spool, warp and draw through the harness and sley, 
a piece of the given amount would require three days — -to weave the 
same, when all is made* ready, at ten yards per day, will take five 
days — making a total of forty eight days labor. Now, to arrive at 
the proper value of this lady's labor, the value of the raw cotton 
must be deducted. But it may be insisted that she grew the cotton. 
I admit the fact, but that does not affect the argument; for that re- 
quired more time than we have put in the estimate. And further, 
she could have received for the cotton, before it was put in the web, 
the market price, and therefore it is a charge upon the value of her 
labor, and ought to be deducted. We will estimate the cotton at 
9 cents per Tb. We estimate the goods to weigh Jib. per yard, that 
is 25 lbs. To this must be added the waste, 12J per cent, the same 
allowance as is made by the Mills, which is a fraction over 3 i lbs., 
making 281 fts. at 9 cents, is $2. 56 i. This sum deducted from the 
gross amount of $7.50, leaves $4. 93 J — this is the true value of the 
48 days labor, by which divide the $4.93 ^ and we have 10* cents 
per day for the hard labor of this poor Woman. If this calculation 
should be doubted by any person, for the want of experience, let 
them enquire of their neighbors who do such work — or of your 
slaves who you think are so valuable, because they can spin and 
weave. 

Now for the other side. The average rate of wages in Southern 
Mills is about $2 per week for females, or 33} cents per day — the 

E 



74 

ape-rative finding herself, that is boarding at home or paying it her- 
self, if elsewhere. And I will just here venture the assertion that 
a woman who could do the labor within the time I have mentioned, 
would receive more than $2.. per week, but I will make her an aver- 
age laborer, and upon that calculate the difference in the value of her 
labor in the two positions. Employed in Cotton Mills 48 days at 33i 
eents per day is $16.00; labor at home for same time, as showed 
above, $4.93 J, making a difference of $11. OG^ in favor of Factory 
labor, an advantage of twenty-three cents per day— and more than. 
three hundred per cent 

There is another reason- going to show that this labor can be 
diverted from the cabin and cotton patch to the manufactory. 
There are but very, few girls who have once learned to operate the, 
machinery of a Cotton Factory, who will return to domestic labor for 
hire, or even remain at home and work for the family at the cards, 
wheel, loom, &c. As a general thing, so far as my observation', 
nerves me, they will remain so long as you will give them employ- 
ment, and pay them. Even after marriage, in most cases, they still 
continue at work, until peculiar circumstances force them to leave.. 



CHAPTEE VII. 

THE* EISA© VANTAGES ATTENDANT" UPON 
SOUTHERN MANUFACTUKING. 

* Justice requires that I should give as fully the disadvantages 
under which our Southern Factories labor, as the advantages which 
they have over their northern competitors. This, like most ques- 
tions, has two sides, and the best plan for any one, engaging in the 
business, is to ascertain all the difficulties by which he is to be sur- 
rounded j and knowing them he can the better make his arrange- 
ments to suit the circumstances of any known and not improbable 
disadvantages, and thus he will not be disappointed when they corns- 
upon him. And I regret very much, to know that this is too often 
the case with many of those who embark in manufacturing in tho 
South. 

First, Having no large Machine Shops for the manufacture of 
machinery, we are dependent on the Northern States or Europe for 
our supplies. The boxing and freight on it will not vary far from 



75 

121 to 15 per cent, on original cost at the shop — which increases its 
cost to a Southern manufacturer, so much, over that of a Northern 
manufacturer. And for the want of Machine Shops convenient for 
the repairs necessary for a Cotton Mill, a still greater outlay is 
required to be made for Lathes and Tools for the repairs, — not hav- 
ing the facilities in the way of paternsand Foundries, the cost of the 
repairs are much greater than that of an eastern establishment. 
The supplies also eost a Southerner more, from the fact that we are 
dependent on the North for those articles, such as oils, leather, bob- 
bins, reeds, shuttles, &c— that is, we pay the freight and charges 
from the North to the South, which increase their cost to us, that 
much more than it is to them, and often causes great inconvenience 
and a delay, often, of the machineiy. % 

Second, As there are but few Factories South, and a large ma- 
jority of them small, there is not that supply of competent practical 
manufacturers, at the South as there is at the North — and they at 
once discharge all who neglect their duty, or who prove incompetent. 
Hence our establishments are frequently imposed upon by unworthy 
men. Many of the proprietors of our Factories, on account of not 
knowing where or when they could procure a suitable person, or per- 
sons, suffer long, and in many instances, heavy abuses, before making 
a change in the management of their Mills, through, fear of getting 
a worse man in their employ. The great majority of such cases 
occur from the fact that our establishments are not sufficiently largo 
to enable them to pay as much as a competent person can obtain for 
his services at the North. Hence it follows that many of our Mills 
arc supplied with hands who have been discharged from larger ones 
on account of their rascality or incompetency. And, in many 
instances, parsons are employed who are not qualified, because they will 
labor for a less price than those- who are qualified and competent — 
this is no fiction, for I know,, personally, several in the class des- 
cribed ! Again,, the salaries paid competent Managers and Over- 
seers, as well as Mechanics, are higher, for the same class Mills, than 
in the North. This is evident from the fact, that to induce a good 
man to change his residence you would have to pay him higher for 
his labor — and I will here state that it is not as much higher for a 
Mill, as what we procure the operatives for less than a Northern 
Mill. The cost of production, therefore, being about the same in 
both cases, per yard, for labor. 

Third, The larger number of our new establishments have to 
depend on learning the operatives; which generally requires about 
one year, from the fact that we have to learn about three sets to get 
e2 



m 

one (if they be whites) effectually instructed. The fact is simply 
this, that not more than one half of those who would work in our 
Factories make efficient hands. Some shrewd Yankee has described 
the class from which our operatives are taken, in the following mu- 
sical language, and I am forced to confess that there is about as 
much truth as poetry in the assertion, as now practiced : 

''Novelty and want bring many girls to the Mills, but 
Work and confinement soon drive them away." 

While I make the admission above, I still claim that we have an 
abundant supply of good materal from which to make the best of 
selections. Judgment is required in employing hands for a Cotton 
Mill, as much so as for any other business or trade. For instance, 
if a planter wanted 'a wagoner for the road, he would not purchase a 
weak diminutive boy, but on the contrary, a large able bodied man. 
Old crippled men or women, small children, nor lazy, inactive grown 
girls will not suit the manufactory. Hence, they should never be 
employed, and permitted to incumber an establishment. Our people 
have not learned those habits of economy which characterize the 
northern people. This, in manufacturing establishments, is very 
essential to success. The aggregate of many small losses and waste 
often amount to more than a large profit. Hence, to be as success- 
ful as the Yankee, we must use the same means as to economy, or it 
would be far better to abandon the pursuit. 

Fuurtli, The South lias no large importing Cities where our Mer- 
chants can purchase such assorted stocks of goods as the Northern 
cities afford, and the result is that many of our Mills send their fabrics 
to those large northern cities, where our merchants buy them — and 
hence the freights and charges both ways are lost to the Southern 
Manufacturer. One inducement for these large mercantile firms to 
make these purchases is that they have credit with the Banks — they 
know and practice the policy that one branch of industry and enter- 
prise should be so conducted as to assist others. Hence, they man- 
age to do all our business; which gives them large cities for their 
trade, sustains Internal Improvements, Bapijs, Insurance Companies, 
Mercantile establishments, commerce and Manufactories, &c. &c. 

Fifth, Our Banking institutions, and gentlemen who loan money, 
have not extended their accommodations to individuals and compa- 
nies that have engaged in manufacturing in the South, to that extent 
which their importance and merits demand, and again the policy 
pursued by our wholesale merchants, by making the products of our 
Factories leading articles in their trade, has kept the prices below 
their legitimate value. 






77 

Sixth, The art of association is not so well understood at the 
South as at the North. Hence, we find their joint stock Companies 
more efficiently conducted than ours. 

In connection with the disadvantages which the South labors 
under in comparison with the Northern States and Europe, I will 
give one of the greatest disadvantages, in my opinion, of an Ameri- 
can Manufacturer, which is as applicable to a Northern as a Southern 
State when compared with any of the European States. This dis- 
advantage is an excessive paper or rag currency. This idea by one 
who advocates home industry may be regarded by some as a rather 
strange position. As the advocates generally of American manufac- 
turing have been also the advocates of the Banking system on a large 
scale. This, I should judge, had arisen nearly to its zenith by this 
time, and its benefits might have been fully developed. 

Now I undertake to say that this Banking policy creates the 
necessity for a protective tariff by the general Government. With- 
out an attempt to argue the point assumed above, I will state in 
brief my views, and challenge the world to refute them. 

First, As the larger portion of our cotton crop, over f, is manufac- 
tured in Europe, they are our competitors. Hence, our prices have 
to correspond with theirs in this and also in other countries. 

Second, As the prices of labor and manufacturers supplies in 
Europe are based on specie, or its equivalent, labor is procured at a 
less price, as well as the supplies for a Mill. It follows then that the 
cost of producing a yard of fabric is less in Europe than in America, 
in proportion to the amount of labor and supplies required. 

Third, That if ours was a specie currency, or its equivalent, the 
prices of labor would not exceed the prices paid in Europe, other 
things being equal. Hence the cost of production with us would 
not exeed that in Europe, per yard, of the same fabrics. With our 
natural advantages, heretofore stated in another place, we could excel 
the world, not only in the manufacture of Cotton, but likewise of 
Wool, Tobacco, Iron and many other articles. 

Fourth, That our excessive paper currency creates a fictitious 
value on property of every description. Hence, we are enabled to 
purchase foreign goods and pay a fair profit to the manufacturer, as 
well as our high duties to the Federal Government — and this too 
while our own manufacturer can not sustain himself in the fine 
works where the greatest amount of labor is required per yard. 

Our excessive rag currency causes an excessive importation of 
foreign fabrics, which keeps our country drained of the precious 
metals. 



Fifth, That the American laborer would be just as well off with 
one half of the present amount of wages per day, under a specie 
currency. The fact is that fifty-cents would purchase for him the 
same amount of the necessaries of life as one dollar will under the 
present paper system — and all that he might be enabled to lay up 
would be as valuable as twice the amount now. Eut to the country 
and a manufacturer the difference would be great indeed. For all 
that was made would be retained, instead of being expended for for- 
eign goods, that could and ought to be manufactured at home. This 
is evident from the fact, that they could not supply us at prices 
which would not give them a profit. A country is the same as an 
individual in this respect. 

In concluding this article. I wish to call the attention of the 
reader to the fact that all of the advantages possessed by the North 
and Europe over the South are acquired, and that we need not 
apprehend any fear or danger from their competition in the markets, 
for we have greate facilites now to acquire all the advantages, 
we freely admit, they had over us — and when we have acquired 
those advantages, as we assuredly will, there is no portion of the wide 
world which can successfully compete with the South in the manu- 
facture of Cotton fabrics. 



CHAPTEE VIII. 
GOVERNMENT OF COTTON MILLS. 

The proper government for Factories is one of positive require- 
ments on the part of the proprietors, in order to insure success. I 
hold that an individual, or Company, as the case may be, employing 
labor, has an absolute right to give direction to the performance of 
that labor, and fix the condition upon which service shall be rendered 
in his establishment. But, at the same time, the requirements 
should be just and equitable, but at all events, inflexable, so that no 
misunderstanding could arise between the employer and the employed. 
When such engagements are entered into, they are as binding on 
one party as the other — and each operative is as morally bound to 
labor for the interest, and to preserve the property of the employer, 
as the owner is to pay the price agreed upon for his or her service,. 
I therefore recommend the following, Rules, Regulations, and Re- 



73 

\*uireinents for the government of manufacturing estalislimeriis. 
Which, I assert, if carried out and complied with, (which is both 
reasonable and within the power of every Factory,) will result in the 
realization of a fair per cent on original cost, provided, alwaj's, that 
such Factory is properly built, located, and at a reasonable cost : 

REGULATIONS 

OF THE 

MAN UFA CT URING COAIPAN Y. 



Esaglsteet'. 

1st. The Engineer is required to start and stop the engine at the 
time and run it at the speed named by the Superintendent. 

2d. He is required to keep the Engine in the best working 
order, and clean ; to keep the water and steam joints tight, and to 
so attend to his duties as to prevent its stoppage during running 
time. 

3d. He is required to see that the firemen do their duty; to keep 
a supply of water in the boilers, and leave the tanks full of water at 
night. 

4th. He is required to keep au accurate account of the time the 
Factory is in operation each day, .and when not running, to name 
the cause of its stoppage. 



Overseers. 

1st. The overseers are required to have the machinery under their 
care kept clean and in good order; to see that the oil holes are kept 
open and well oiled ; to send to the repair shop all work that they 
cannot do in their room. They are required to so attend their 
machinery as to prevent its stoppage during working hours as far as 
practicable ; and when out of order or broken, to have it fixed and 
started as soon as possible; to have a place for everything and to 
keep things in their place. 

2d. They are required to see that the machinery is not injure! by 
any one; to prevent the operatives from changing, altering, repair- 
ing or fixing it in any way. 

3d. They are required to govern their respective departments with 
decision and mildness ; to use none but respectful language towards 
the operatives ; to see that each one under his charge behaves cor- 
rectly, and that no one impose upon another; and not to show par- 
tiality in any case. 



80 

4th. Each will be held responsible for the quality and quantity of 
work under his care; for the government and order of his depart- 
ment ; for the preservation of the property entrusted to him of all 
description, and for the waste. made in his room. 

5th. They are required to keep an account of the raw material 
used; of the time each hand is employed each day; to keep an 
accurate account of the amount of machinery that is in operation 
each day, and when any is stopped to name the cause of its stop- 
page. 

6th. They are allowed 15 minutes for cleaning, each day, except 
Saturdays, when they are allowed 30 minutes; machinery that can- 
not be cleaned in that time must be done while it is in operation or 
after stopping; should any one leave without properly cleaning their 
machinery, they will not be allowed full time, 

7th. They are required to see that each machine does its duty ; 
and should any of the hands have more work than they can do to an 
advantage, their work must be reduced. 

8th. They are required to comply with these regulations, and see 
that each one under his care does the same. They may adopt such 
rules as they may deem proper in order to get off the work and to 
preserve order in their room, if such rules do not conflict with these 
regulations. 



Operatives. 

1st. The spreader tender is required to weigh the feeds accurately 
and spread even on the apron ; to keep the willow and spreaders 
clean and well oiled; to notice the beaters often, and keep them 
cool — and have a barrel of water always in the room. 

2d. The card strippers are required to strip the flats and cylin- 
ders regularly at the time named by the overseer; to keep them 
clean, the oil holes open and well oiled. 

3d. The Drawing Tenders are required to prevent singlings, as 
much as possible, and should any pass through, to take it out ; to, 
keep their heads clean and oiled, and notice if the rollers cut. 

5th. The spinners are required to twist on the thread and make 
a small and strong splice. If a bobbin fills at the end so as to run 
over, it must be taken off or the roving broke back. If the rollers 
cut, or the frame is out of order, the thread hard or soft twisted, to 
report the same to the overseer. 

6th. The Doffers are required to take off the bobbins as soon as, 
the frame stops and get all the ends up before leaving it. 






31 

7th. The Heelers are required to keep all of the threads up and 
not let the reel run with any down; to reel all the thread, and not 
lap or tuck them; if the thread is not good, to. report the same to 
the overseer. 

8th. The hanker and baler is required to examine each doff of 
thread ; should it be roller-cut, hard or soft twisted, light or heavy, 
or badly reeled, to report it to the overseer. 

9th. The roving and bobbin carriers are required to keep a supply- 
always on hand, and of empty quills and bobbins. 

10th. The spoolers are required to tie a small and strong knot; 
to spool all the thread off of the bobbins, and should the thread be 
cut, hard or soft twisted, to report it to the overseer. 

11th. The dresser -tenders are required to keep all of the threads 
tied, and not lap them nor run them together, and keep the thread 
well sized, and not run it on wet. 

12th. The drawer-in is required to draw the warps in accurately. 

13th. The weavers are required to keep all the warp in the har- 
ness and not to have too many threads in a split; if any bad places 
to pick them out and break off the ends of the filling, and keep the 
cloth trimmed ; to weave all off of the quills that can be woven ; to 
save all the waste necessarily made, and cut off at the cut mark. 

1-lth. The Cloth Trimmer is required to examine each piece of 
goods carefully, and should he find an imperfect piece, to lay it aside 
and report it to the Superintendent ; to cut off the loose ends and 
make a neat bale. 

15th. The sweepers are required to sweep all parts of the room 
clean; and should they find any clean cotton, waste,. or anything out 
of place, to pick it up and put it in its proper place ; to examine 
the dirty waste before carrying it out, and pick out everything of 
value, such as bobbins, quills, clean cotton and waste. 

IGth. The miller is required to be particular in noticing the bags 
of customers, and see that none are taken through mistake, or by 
those who have no right to them; to make as good an article of the 
grain as it is capable of doing; to keep the stones in good order, and 
the house clean; and not to let any meal, flour or bran go out of the 
mill without an order from the Agent or his deputy. 

17th. The repairer is required to do such work as may be sent to 
the shop, in a strong, neat, and workmanlike manner; to finish all 
work begun before leaving it, unless it is to keep some machine in 
operation, or by the direction of the Superintendent; and is held 
responsible for the materials and tools entrusted to his care. 

18th. The watchmen are required to examine well about the fur- 



82 

nace, and all places where fire has been during the day, on entering 
on their duties at night; and to pass through all parts of the house; 
io drive the pins and strike the hours regularly j to keep all persons 
out of the Factory who are not employed, when stopped. They are 
required to get the consent of the Superintendent in case they wish 
to be absent. 



Generall Jtegjilafioias.. 

These regulations are a part of the contract of each one in the 
employment of the Manufacturing Campany : 

1st. Each one employed is required to possess a character for in- 
dustry, and to conduct themselves with decorum whilst in the em- 
ploy of the company. 

2d. Each is employed for the period that they comply with their 
engagements and these regulations, and no longer. 

3d. The time of work is twelve hours per day, and to be so 
arranged as to make up in the long days what is lost in the short 
ones. Night and Sunday work will be reckoned at ten hours per 
day. All extra work and over time must be reported at the time it 
is done, or it will not be allowed. 

4th. Each one is required to be at their place of work at the 
starting of the engine. Should they be absent without a proper 
excuse, and rendered at the time, they will not be allowed full time 
for that day. To remain at their places during working hours, 
unless necessity calls; them off. If any one wishes to stay out or 
leave on business or pleasure, they are required to get permission, 
which will be granted if they cau be spared without injury to the 
company. And if sick, to report it, and return as soon as practica- 
ble. 

5th. They are prohibited from going from one room to another, 
without permission. From leaving their work and talking to others 
so as to hinder them. From scratching, cutting, marking, pounding, 
breaking, or in auy way injuring or defacing the machinery or build- 
ing. From spilling or wasting oil. From cutting bobbins or quills. 
From throwing clean waste on the floor. From throwing things 
about the room. From pulling thread off bobbins, when they are 
run over. From throwing trash out of the windows. From destroy- 
ing property of auy kind. From taking any property belonging to 
the company for their individual benefit. When any damage is done, 
the person doing it will be charged its full value and taken from their 






83 

'■ 6th. All loud laughing, loud talking, and loud singing is prohib- 
ited while in the Factory. 

7th. Each one is required to keep their machinery clean and well 
oiled, and to save all the waste necessarily made j to pick up all bob- 
bins, quills, or any other property that they may find ia their alley 
and out of place; and to keep all bobbins, quills, waste, and them- 
selves out of the windows. 

8th. Each one is required to attend to his or her own business, 
and not meddle with others. All business of a personal character 
must be attended to out of the Factory. Should a difficulty occur 
between those employed, they are required to use all proper means 
to have it settled between themselves; but if, after an effort, they 
fail, the aggrieved party is required to make the case known to the 
Superintendent, who will take such action as he may deem proper 
for an amicable settlement of the dispute. And all persons who are 
proved to possess a bad character, a disturber, or a slanderer of those 
in the employ of the company, they will be discharged. 

9th. No smoking is allowed in the yard or Factory, and all intoxi- 
cating liquors and matches are not allowed to be brought into the 
yard or Factory. 

10th. Reading of newspapers and books is prohibited in the Fac- 
tory during working hours. 

11th. Those employed will be paid in cash at such times as may 
be named by the Agent; and none but the Agent or his deputy is 
allowed to sell anything belonging to the company, or buy for the 
company. 

12th. Any one, or a family, wishing to leave the employ of the 
company, are required to give the Superintendent two weeks notice, 
so that their places can be filled; and on failure to do so, they will 
not be allowed for two weeks labor, unless their leaving is unavoida- 
ble. And all who have fulfilled their engagements, and complied 
with these regulations, will be entitled to a certificate from the 
Superintendent, under the seal of the company. 

13th. The non-compliance with, or violation of these regulations, 
or any part of them, will be a sufficient excuse for the discharge of 
any one; and an excuse that some one else has broken or not com- 
plied with them, will not be taken, as it may not always be for the 
interest of the company to discharge a hand at the time; but these 
regulations will be enforced, sooner or later, without partiality. 
Industry, Economy and order are essential to success in manufactur- 
ing. 

11th, VISITORS, — Visitors are prohibited from handling the 



84 

machinery, or meddling with it in any way; also, from talking to th& 
operatives; and after looking at the operation of the machinery, 
they are requested to retire, and not make the Factory a place of 
loafing or amusement. iSTo admittance after night. 

These requirements are important, from the fact that laborers gen- 
erally manage to procure as high wages as. they can, and to do as 
little work or service as possible, But if proprietors will require a 
strict compliance with these regulations the great draw-back arising 
from this source will be obviated.. 



S 



87 



CHAP'TEB IX. 
MACHINE SHOP. 

ETOWAH VILLAGE, CASS COUNTY, GEORGIA. 

A Machine Shop for the manufacture of Cotton and JVool Ma- 
chinery, Steam Engines, &c. 

I have stated in another chapter, that one of the disadvantages 
that the South now labors under, is the want of a Machine Shop, 
where we could get machinery built as cheap, and as well finished 
in every respect, as that from any establishment, either in the United 
States or Europe. I now take the opportunity of calling the atten- 
tion of our people to the importance of building, at once, such an 
establishment, by which one eery important object will be accom- 
plished. The South would advance more rapidly than at any former 
period. I presume that no intelligent person will question its impor- 
tance, or its practicability in the South at this time. The most 
important question to be settled, in such an enterprise, would be a 
proper location for a shop. To ascertain this, but little reflection is 
required. The points to be settled in such proper location are — 

First, A cheap motive power either water or steam. 

Second, Where provisions for the supply of a large city could be 
procured cheaply, so that the rates of wages would not be advanced 
to cover the cost of a high priced market and rents, as they enter 
into the cost of production. 

Third, At a point convenient to all of the cotton growing States 
— which should be on the margin of the farming and planting inter- 
ests of the South and South-west, so as to secure the advantages of 
both interests. 

Fourth, At a point on some navigable River or Eailroad, forming 
a connection with all the important points in the South and South- 
west, so that access might be had with ease and at low rates of 
freight. 

Fifth, A healthy location is iudispensible to carry on successfully 
any manufacturing pursuit — such a point as would attract to, and 
would retain a working class. 

Sixth, A location where the material for building machinery, 
such as Iron Ore, Iron, Goal, Timber &c, could be procured cheap, so 
that the cost of production would not exceed that of any shop in the 
"XT o ion . 



Seventh, A point whore water power is ample, or stone coal as 
cheap as at Pittsburg, Pa. ? so that a manufacturing city, as large as 
that of Lowell, Mass., might be built up in the course of time. A 
Machine Shop would form a nucleus around which would grow up 
the manufacture of Cotton, Wool, Iron &c, which the South now so 
much demands. 

The point, in my judgment, most suitable for the location of a 
Shop combining all the advantages I have enumerated, is the property 
of "Etowah Manufacturing and Mining Company," Cass County, 
Georgia; of which M. A. Cooper, Esqr., is President, of 9000 acres 
of land. The principal water power is the falls of the Etowah 
River, which are COO feet wide with a fall of 80 feet within the 
distance of three miles, with fine building sites., $250,000 have 
already been expended in the development of this property.. There 
are the following improvements upon the estate,, now in operation. 
A Furnace — Rolling Mill — Flouring Mill— two Saw and Grist Mills, 
all of which are doing a splendid business, as the quantity and 
quality of the productions fully attest. Iron ore of the best descrip- 
tion is abundant — producing the best quality of castings, Iron, Nails, 
and' Steel, with plenty of the finest building. Timber. The property 
is situated in the mountain region of the State of Georgia, and is 
encompassed iu salubrity of climate, air, and general health. Is 
within three miles of the Western and Atlantic Railroad, with a 
branch road to the falls, thus connecting with all the principal cities 
and towns in the South and South-west.. At this point the supplies 
of bread stuffs from Kentucky and Tennessee can be procured 
cheaply.. Cotton, direct from the planters of Georgia and Alabama, 
cau be procured at very low rates of freight. A portion of this 
property is now for sale for such purpose, or any branch of manufac- 
turing business, with charters granted by the Legislature of the 
State. 

As Georgia is the empire State of the Soutb, she is justly enti- 
tled to such, an establishment, and ought to be liberally patronized 
by her sister States, not only in purchasing machinery, but. to aid 
in building up such an enterprise by taking stock in a company for 
that purpose. 

To build such a Machine Shop, at a proper point, would insure 
the building of a large manufacturing city, the effect of w T hich, on 
the immediate section of country, in the way of husbandry, in order 
to supply the market created, and the enhanced value of real estat* 
would be great indeed. It is stated in a work entitled Lowell as it 
was and is ; giving the rise and progress of the Manchester of 



89 

America, that the real estate had advanced within a period of 25 
years, over $1,000,000 — within a market distance of the city. Like- 
causes will produce like effects ! At the point I have named,, 
machinery could be built as well and as cheap as at any shop in the- 
United States. Hence, the purchaser in the South who may engage 
in manufacturing, would save not less than 10 per cent on his pur- 
chase, and at the same time have the advantage of the patrons near 
or accessable, so that he could duplicate any portion of his machinery 
that might brake or wear at short notice, which is a very great 
advantage to a manufacturer. For particulars, in relation to the 
property of the Etowah Company, I refer to Mark A. Cooper ; Esq. ? - 
President. 

f. 



CHAPTER X. 
STEAM AGAINST WATER POWER. 

In the report of Mr. Gregg which I have inserted for the pur- 
pose of demonstrating the practicability of manufacturing in the 
South, he takes the occasion to assert, positively, "that steam pow- 
er should, in all instances, be avoided in the South, as being too 
expensive." I would ask if steam power in the South is no higher 
than it is in the Northern States and Europe. And they succeed 
in making satisfactory profits ! Could not the South do the same 
thing? I claim that there are many locations in the Cotton grow- 
ing States where an ample supply of the best quality of coal can be 
obtained, and at rates as low as in new England; to say nothing 
of the immense amount of Timber on plantations where Factories 
ought to be built. 

To this position of the *President of the Graniteville Manufactur- 
ing Company, I decent. It is not, however, surprising, that Mr. 
Gregg should think favorable of water power, as they have- at Gran- 
iteville one of the best of its capacity in the country. And I 
believe that a' Company conducted on the same principals, aad pro- 
pelled by steam, at a proper location would have been equally suc- 
cessful as that at Graniteville. And I hope that Mr. Gregg will 
allow facts to speak for themselves, on this important point, and 
•liould the positions that I assume be correct, then justice and th« 
«smse of manufacturing, which he feels so deep an interest in. would 



90 

allow the setting aside of Mr. Gregg's individual assertion, for it is 
simply an opinion without the proof to sustain it, and I claim that 
one man's opinion is entitled to as much weight as another's, where 
the facts are introduced to sustain the assertion, both having the 
same means to afford a practicable solution of the questions in dis- 
pute. 

I will here attempt to prove that a Factory on a plantation, pro- 
pelled by steam, of a 1000 spindles and 40 looms, using seed Cotton, 
can be operated for less money than one of the same size at Granite- 
ville, using bale Cotton, as they do. And, to put the question in a 
form that all may properly understand it, I will give an instance of 
my own experience, all of which I can prove to the satisfaction of 
any man that calls the statements in question : 

First, There is a Cotton Mill now in operation, (which was built 
by my direction, being a partner in the establishment at the time) 
of about a 1000 spindles and 40 looms, for manufacturing Osna- 
burgs ; and located on a plantation of the present owner. And 
seed Cotton is used altogether, and ginned by the same power that 
propels the machinery. The wood for steam is cut by the slaves of 
the proprietor, at such odd times as they could wot be profitably 
employed at other work on the plantation, and off the lands that he 
is desirous of clearing; and the whole value of cutting and hauling 
(allowing the usual prices of labor) does not exceed one dollar per 
cord, and that was the price he charged the firm while I was in it, 
It requires three cords per day, equal to $3 00 

The Negro attending the Engine we allow 1 00' 

The oils and repairs, per day, we allow 1 00' 



Making a total, per clay, of $5 00 

which was the actual cost per day of the steam power of that estab- 
lishment; and amounts to 3f mills per yard, as such an establish- 
ment is capable of producing 1600 yards per day, on an average. 

Second, The advantages of such a location over one propelled hj 
water, and using bale Cotton, are viz . Such a Factory would require 
'914 lbs. of Cotton to manufacture 1600 yards of Osnaburgs, weigh- 
ing | lb. per yard. The Cotton being ginned by the power that 
would be required to brake up the bale Cotton, and the Gin attended 
by the hand that would be required to attend the willow, where bale 
Cotton is used. Hence, the gining cost no more than to brake or 
loosen the Cotton from the bale, which is worth 1-12 of the price of 
the Cotton to gin it, and equal to $6 85 £ per day. 

The value of the baleing and rope that the Manufacturer pays for, 



91 

on two bales, being 20 lbs. per bale, equals 40 lbs., for which he 
pays as much as he does for the Cotton, and, at 9 cents per lb. equals 
$3 60. The value of the baleing and rope in the South, to the 
manufacturer, is about three cents per lb. and equal to $1 20, which 
deducted from the $o 60, leaves $2 40. These two items added 
makes the sum of $9 25£, and reduced to the yard equals 5f mills. 
By deducting the cost of the steam power from the sum of the 
advantages, leaves $4 25? in favor of a Factory propelled by steam, 
and using seed Cotton, over one propelled by water, and using bale 
Cotton, and on each yard 2| mills. 

Third, There are other advantages that steam Factories have over 
those propelled by water, all of which enter into the estimate; some 
of which I will name without going into the details as to dollars and 
cents. 

1st, As a general rule, the locations affording water power in the 
Cotton growing sections are not healthy; which is one of great 
importance, in the location' of a Cotton Mill. 

2nd, As a general rule, the original cost of the site, dam, race?) 
wheel-pit, wheels, and the cost of foundations for the building, will 
more than double the cost of a Mlfl by steam power. 

3rd, A Factory propelled by steam may be located more conveni- 
ently for getting supplies to and hauling off the productions, and 
conveyances for building tenements for the operatives &c; whereas, 
if water power is used, you have to make all the improvements to 
suit the location. 

4th, A Factory propelled by steam can, and ought to be warmed 
in winter, by the escape steam, without any cost, except the pipes to 
conduct the steam through the different rooms, and. the cost would 
not exceed that for chimneys, stove pipes &c, nor as much as fur- 
naces and conducting pipes for heating Mills that are propelled by 
water; leaving out the cost of the fuel for heating purposes. 

5th, The danger of fire is not so great in a steam Mill, when 
properly constructed, as one propelled by water aud heat by stoves in 
winter. Hence, the rate of insurance is not as high for a steam 
Mill. 

6th, The quality of the fabrics manufactured in steam Mills are 
superior to those manufactured by water power, where they aie not 
warmed in winter by steam, which has been demonstrated by their 
commanding a higher price in market. 

In justice to the subject of water and steam power, I must be 
permitted to say that my preference is in favor of water power— ail 
other things being equal. 

F 



And in order to ascertain a. proper location for a Cotton Mill to be 
propelled by water, I will state that it must be a healthy one. The 
water ample for the purpose designed, at all seasons of the year, and 
not subject to overflows by the excessive rains, that would cause the 
Mill to stop operation ; and in all other respect* possessing the 
advantages that might be secured by the use of steam power. 
There are such locations within our highly favored section., but they 
are few and far between. 

And I will here remark that in the location of a Cotton Mill, all 
of the above points can easily be determined, without much diffi- 
culty, by the proprietor or Company. 

I will conclude this subject by refering the reader to the able 
alignments of James Montgomery, of Graniteville, 8. C, and the 
lion. Chas. T. James, of Providence, It. I., (the latter gentleman 
has built more Cotton Mills than any other man in the. United States) 
which are printed in pamphlet form, and, I presume, could h& 
obtained from either of the gentlemen. 



CHAPTER II. 

MECHANICS OF THE SOUTH. 

The importance of cultivating and sustaining the Mechanic arts 
Sad placing them in their proper relations to other pursuits, has been 
overlooked by our people; and the time has fully arrived when a 
different policy should be adopted in the South, towards one of the 
most important branches of industry known in the civilized world. 

One great evil that has, and does at this time, operate against the 
success of the several branches of mechanism, is, that many in the 
slave States, assign, as a reason why they do not learn their sous somo 
one of the trades, is, that mechanics are not respected in society. 
Hence, we find many young men, that should be mechanics, and 
WiKHe parents can command the means, educating them for somo 
one of the learned professions, or preparing them to engage in the 
mercantile business, both of which are already overstocked in our 
States; and the result is, that we find a large number of those pro- 
fessional gentlemen, mere drones or quacks in their profession; many 
of whom would have made good mechanics or farmers, and thereby 
would have been of some service to themselves and their country. 



For he that causes two blades of grass to grow where but one °rew 
before, is a benefactor to his race, and blessed of God. 

And this principle is equally applicable to an Artisan, who creates 
for the comforts and wants of man, as much so as the agriculturist. 
It must.be acknowledged that many of our mechanics are very infe- 
rior workmen, not knowing the laws governing their business, and, 
in fact, are nothing more than mere machines. This taken in con- 
nection with their irregular conduct, as applicable to a large number 
of our .mechanics, that they have brought a reproach upon the busi- 
ness in which they are engaged, and also, their associates. For men, 
in these days, judge societies, communities, and even the trades, by 
the acts of its members. 

It may be proper to point out some of the prominent causes why 
our mechanics, as a class, are held by many in derision : 

First, As a class, we are ignorant of the principles or laws of 
mechanism, as applicable to the branch in which we are engaged. 
And hence, they are regarded as mere automatons, or cobblers in the 
arts. There are exceptions to all general rules, and it applies par- 
ticularly to this, for we have mechanics, in all parts of the South, as 
competent and industrious, and many shops as well fitted up, com- 
bining all the facilities for doing good work of all kinds, and at as 
low rates, as any in the Northern States. The proof of this fact is 
the excellent work turned out, as to finish and durability. . 

Second, As a class, they are without an education, which is as 
important to a mechanic, if he has any aspiration for distinction in 
his business, and a desire to acquire wealth, as it is for any one who 
is engaged in the learned professions or the mercantile business. It 
is said by many that the fault of the want of an education is charge- 
able to the parents of such mechanics. There is a great wrong 
somewhere, and the parents may, and I have no doubt but they have 
been, greatly remiss in that part of their du.y. The question with 
which we have to do is simply this, when a young man finds that he 
is deficient in his education, and has to labor for a living, he should 
spend his leisure time in acquiring it, and he should make greet 
sacrifice of pleasure to accomplish it. 

There are many individuals that might be pointed out as worthy 
examples of emulation, as self-made and self-educated men. Many 
of whom have risen from the humble position (as regarded by the 
upper ten) of mechanics, to fill high and honorable positions in 
society and the Nation, and it may not be out of place here, to name 
a few instances, that the poor and uneducated mechanic may see to 
what honorable fame is within the reach of those who have talent 



94 

and will use the industry and perseverance which was required by 
others to accomplish their fame. 

The Hon. Geo. W. Jones, member of Congress from Tennessee, 
was a Saddler, and ranks among the leading members of the House 
of Representatives. Hon. "YY. W. Pepper, Judge of a Circuit Court 
of Tennessee, was a Blacksmith, and elected to his office by the 
sovereign people. Hon. Andrew Johnson, one of the Senators in 
Congress from Tennessee, was a poor Tailor boy, and when married 
could not write. 

There might be hundreds pointed out who are filling all gracles of 
office in Church and State, from the ranks of our despised profes- 
sion, and other humble walks of life. Hence, we conclude that it 
is not the calling (as some would suppose) that always determines the 
character of men. But on the contrary, it is the intellect a man 
possesses, and the use a man makes of his time and conduct through 
life. In view of these facts, what mechanic need despair of extri- 
cating himself from his humble position, when he reflects upon what 
has' been done by others under circumstances the most trying and 
self-denying. It should be the motto of each one to hope on and 
make the proper efforts to better his condition in life, which, at 
best, is one of toil and Hope. 

Third, Idleness and intemperance, as practiced by many of our 
mechanics have brought a reproach upon the profession, which wiil 
require years to wipe out. Idleness has been one of the greatest draw- 
backs in the success of our mechanics in the South. A man, for 
instance, that wants a job of work done, takes it to the shop, in 
town or country, and is promised by the owner or boss workman, that 
at a definite time he can have his work; the gentleman calls at the 
appointed time, ami is told that his job is not ready, but at a. certain 
time it will be. done; he calls again, and again is put off by excuses 
which he concludes are reasonable, and is told that he can have his 
work, without fail, at a stated time, &c., he calls again and is disap- 
pointed. And the simple fact of all the delays are often caused by 
the idleness or drunkenness of some of the workmen, and perhap 
by the proprietor himself. 

And the result has been, that our merchants, in. order to supply 
our people with such articles as are demanded for their wants and 
conveyances, has brought on, from the negro stealing States of the 
North and West, articles that should be manufactured at home, such 
as Hats, Caps, Shoes, Boots, Furniture of all descriptions, Buggies, 
Carriages, Harness, Saddlery, all kinds of Agricultural implements, 
'Books, Periodicals and Newspapers, Goods of all grades, and even 



95 

Ready Made Clothing, which causes our ladies to be idle as well as 
the men ; and after patronizing them liberally, they taunt us for our 
dependence on them. Is it not time to change the policy, which 
can be done by a systematic effort on the part of our Mechanics, 
Manufacturers and Merchants, with the aid (which is everywhere 
manifested among the people) of our farmers and planters. 

Fourth, Another cause of reproach applied to our mechanics, is, 
that many of our slave holders are learning their slaves the different 
trades, which is increasing annually. This evil has been caused, in 
a great measure, from necessity; as the mechanics, whom Provi- 
dence has assigned that part of our industry to, having failed to 
furnish the necessary articles of mechanism for the wants of our 
people, and many, rather than to purchase from the Abolitionists, 
prefer to learn their slaves to do their work at home. 

I very much doubt the propriety of such a course by our slave 
holders, and I fear the time may come when the whole South will 
regret that slaves were ever learned the mechanic arts. I would 
as soon learn a slave to read and write, as to learn him a trade, and 
put him in a shop with white men. And further, if I was a jour- 
neyman workman,! would refuse to work with negro mechanics, 
from the fact that the negro is elevated above field hands, and the 
position assigned him by his Creator, and we find such negro 
mechanics often as leaders of others in their vicinity. They become 
so important, in their estimation, that they become insolent toward 
white men, especially the poorer class. And it does also lower the 
standing of the mechanic in the estimation of many Southerners 
who appear to think that none should labor but negroes. 

Fifth, The practice of many of our States in erecting Mechanics . 
Institutes in connection with the Penitentiaries, and learning their 
convicts the various mechanic arts, is another cause of reproach that 
is applied by many to our profession, because these scamps leave the 
State Institute, where they have been educated, and by going into 
another State, where they are not known, they are enabled to pass 
themselves off as respectable citizens, as they are mechanics. And 
the State aids in the deception thus practiced ; as the Penitentiary- 
reports show but very few reformations; and the education given by 
the State only enables them the better to practice their villainy, 
when let loose upon our honest mechanics. 

I hold that the State has not the right (though they exercise the 
power) to adopt a policy which has a tendency to lower the standing 
or disgrace any one class or portion of its citizens, and especially 
those who are the least able to bear it. But we are met with the 



93 

argument that the State erects these work-shops, and educates their 
convicts in the various mechanic arts, for the purpose of making the 
establishment pay its expenses. But I deny the moral right of a 
State to make money in any manner whereby any portion of its citi- 
zens are injured or disgraced. 

We are also told by the philanthropist that the State should learn 
their convicts a trade; so that when they are released, that they 
may have a better way to make a support, and thus prevent them 
from commiting depredations. I would ask if the State is under any 
more obligations to elevate a criminal, than it is an honest, industri- 
ous poor man, laborer '/ 

If the argument is a logical one, we, as a class, have no objection, 
if the State will carry it out in good faith. As we hold that any 
one of the trades (Carpenter for instance) is as much of a profession 
as that of the Law, Medicine, or Divinity, and taking that view of 
the subject, the State should provide Law, Medical, and Theologi- 
cal Schools, in connection with the Penitentiary, and apportion the 
convicts between the different professions, according to numbers. 
To this policy we, as mechanics, would not complain, as it would 
give each of the professions the benefit of their wisdom and the 
might of their character. 

These causes of reproach, and others that might be named, can, 
and ought to be removed from a class of citizens who are next in 
importance to the farmers and planters. For it is the mechanic that 
makes our implements of husbandry, builds and rigs our Ships and 
Steamboats, erects our dwelling and business houses, and the 
machinery with which our wearing apparel is manufactured. There- 
fore, the Artisan stands next in importance to the Agriculturist. 
The importance of their position is not properly understood in the 
community, nor it is not appreciated by ourselves; and hence, if an 
individual, or a class, is not respected by the world, it is the fault of 
the individual, or class, and not the calling. 

The means to be applied for the removal of the several causes 
that have a tendency to lower a mechanic, or the business, in the 
estimation of the public, are — 

JPirst, That each member of the profession should inform himself 
as to his true position as a mechanic, and then act in conformity 
with it. 

Second, There should be Mechanical Associations formed for the 
promotion of the mechanic arts, in all of our cities, towns and villa- 
ges, through the South. And for the improvement of mechanics, 
an apprentices' Society. 






By tlve fennat'loa of such Associations, they can adopt and carry 
out such regulations as will induce voung men of intellect and educa- 
tion to learn the arts, and thus elevate the standard of mechanics, 
A library, adapted to the wants and necessities of mechanics, should 
he one of the leading objects of an Association, as it would be the 
means of inducing many young men to form a habit of study, that, 
otherwise, might be found in places of dissipation. Associations 
would enable mechanics to act in concert on all important measures, 
concerning their interest. 

In conclusion, it might be asked by some, what I would do with 
the convicts iu the Penitentiary, if I could control it? as I object to 
their being employed in the mechanical branches, and as it is 
expected ef a man who opposes any system or measure that he 
should peimt out a better course to be adopted. I will state my 
views in brief, whijh can be adopted without any greater expense to 
the State, and one that would remove the odium that the present 
system entails on mechanics. 

First, The Penitentiary might be located on some of the miner; 1 
lands iu the State, and the convicts emploj'ed at the common labor, 
in mining and the manufacture of Iron, such work as is now done 
by slaves. 

Stcond, That the manufacture of coarse fabrics of Wool and 
Ootton, might be incroduced into our Penitentiaries, and the convicts 
employed in attending the machinery, which is now done by boys 
and girls. And the products would more than pay the current 
expenses of the concern, which is seldom done where the convicts 
are employed in the mechanic arts, from the fact that they generally 
turn out inferior work which undersells the regular mechanics ef 
the country. 



CHAPTER XII. 



HOW CAN THE SOUTH BECOME A MANUFACTURING- 
PEOPLE. 

In all new enterprizes, and in all ages, they have been commenced 
on a small scale, and have progressed by degrees, as the history of 
the Cotton manufacture of Great Britain, and the Northern States, 
clearly shows, and is a fair illustration of what can and should be 



98 

done in the South. And in order to accomplish so desirable ate 
object, those engaged in the enterprise should be exceedingly careful 
how they commence a business as complicated, requiring as great 
diligence, watchfulness and perplexity as any business known in our 
ountry; and without which no manufacturing enterprize ever did 
or ever can properly succeed. Hence, all those entering the business 
should do so with a full knowledge of its character in all of its details, 
if they expect to realize those profits which the business has 
afforded, and promises to yield to those who conduct it on propeY 
principles. There are many gentlemen in nearly every county in 
the Cotton growing sections, who see and feel the importance of 
building up manufactures in the South. But the difficulties under 
which they labor to carry out their views and feelings are a want of 
a practical knowledge of the business, and also a proper method to 
bring the subject before their friends, who entertain the same views 
and feelings with themselves, on the subject. I will suggest a plan, 
and if adopted, would result favorably in most instances, where such 
views are entertained, and the gentlemen having the necessary means 
for the purpose. In such towns and neighborhoods there are several 
who say that they would like to see a Factory built, and that they 
would take stock in such an enterprise, if one could be built and 
operated on correct principles; but A waits for B, and C waits for 
I), and so on, each one depending on some one else for a feasable 
plan of operation, and generally, nothing is done but talk. Under 
such circumstances the proper method to be adopted to bring about 
the desired object, is, 

First, To hold a consultation meeting of those friendly to such 
an enterprise, and appoint a committee of one of more, of their num- 
ber to procure the necessary information to carry out their views. 

Second, As there :'s rarely found any one who would be willing 
to spend as much money and time as would be required to procure 
the needed information, and solicit his neighbors to take stock is 
Sijh an enterprise, therefore, in order to insure success, the gen- 
tlemen who are interested in seeing manufacturing introduced, 
should raise as much money as would be required to pay such neces- 
sary expenses, and also, a man's time, who would make it his special 
business to carry out their wishes. The amount would not be but a 
trifle to each one; and if the enterprise succeeds, the expenses 
should be charged to. the capital stock, on the same principles as an 
Agent's salary, for procuring stock for Railroads is charged. And 
in incorporated towns where such establishments are proposed to bs 
built, it is proper fou the Aldermen to make an, appropriation Ift 



99 

defray such expenses, as such towns are greatly benefited by the 
building of such establishments. The propriety of such an appro- 
priation is as reasonable as one to defray the expenses of a celebra- 
tion, or to pay the expenses of an invited guest of such a town, both 
of which are frequently done. The principle is well established 
that what is every body's business is no one's, and therefore, if men 
wish to succeed in anything, they must bring the matter directly 
before the people, in some practical form, in order for them to act in 
co n ce r t a n d u n d e rs ta n d i n gl y . 

I am awa'e that there are many in the South who overlook small 
things; (and I would here remark that such a trait of character dis- 
qualifies any man for a practical manufacturer) and the remark is 
often made that one Factory would not have any influence on our 
prosperity; and that being in the estimation of many as a suffi- 
cient reason for not acting, where their judgements dictate other- 
wise. Let us suppose, for instance, that in each county of the ten 
Cotton growing States (and there are men in each who know the. 
influence of manufacturing on the prosperity of other States and 
countries) that a Cotton Mill of the capacity of the largest estimate 
in this work was built. As the ten States have about 50 counties each, 
making in all 500, is there any one that would doubt but the five 
hundred Factories would have an influence on the prosperity of the 
South ? And in order to illustrate the idea move clearly, I will make 
an estimate of the amount of capital, the number of operatives, and 
the quantity of Cotton required. Also the expenses and the pro- 
ducts of the 500 Mills, per annum. The five hundred Factories of 
6000 spindles and 200 looms, each, wuiild give us 3,000,000 spin- 
dles and 100,000 looms. The capital required to build them $60,- 
000,000; and the capital required to operate them $27,500,000. 
The number of persons, of all grades, required to operate them 
would be 104,000. The number of persons connected with those 
directly employed, would amount to as many more, making 208,000 
to be supported directly by the Mills. Their wages would amount 
to the sum of $16,752,000 per annum. The commissions, fuel, 
interest, insuiance, supplies of all kind, and the depreciation or wear 
of machinery &e.« would amount to the sum of $20,807,0-10 per 
annum. The Cotton consumed would be 365,712,000 lbs., or 731,- 
424 bales of 500 lbs. each ; unci at 9 cts. per lb. would amount to 
the sum of $32,914,080. The sum of all the expenses $70,473,- 
120. 

The products of the 500 Factories would be 960,000,000 yards 
of 4-4 Sheetings, and at 8| cents per yard, would amount to the sum- 



100 

of SSI, GOO, 000.; ami the value of the waste Cotton, for all purpo- 
ses, at o cents per lb. would amount to the sura of $1,371,600, 
making- a total of $82,971,600 per annum. By deducting the gross 
expenses from the gross earnings, we have a balance of $12,408,480 
per annum, as the profit on the capital of $60,000,000 invested, 
which amounts to nearly 21 per cent. The sum of $27,500,000 
allowed to be invested in lands, tenements, and cash to capital to 
carry on the business, having been charged ten per cent on, in the 
above estimate of expenses, is not considered as capital in manufac- 
turing, as the nature of such property does not differ from the 
present investment of money in the South. If you will examine 
the statement in chapter XII page 90, you will find that the 500 
Mills' supposed would not require double the amount to build them, 
as is now invested in the single county of Philadelphia, Pa., nor 
would it require double the number of operatives, raw material &c. 

Now I ask, in all candor, are not the ten Cotton growing States of 
■500 counties able to invest double the amount of one county in 
Pennsylvania. And who is there that could entertain a doubt that 
the supposed 500 Cotton Factories, if put into operation in the 
South, would not hive a mighty influence on the prosperity of our 
highly favored section. Again, is there any doubt of the ability of 
any one of the counties that grow Cotton, to raise the amount 
($175,000) required to build and put into operation a Factory of 
the capacity suggested, and that too without any detriment to the 
business now carried on within her borders. Now is the proper 
time to move in this enterprise, while we have the means, and also 
to sustain the present high prices of Cotton, And the motto should 
be with each one to do all that he can; and the object so much 
talked of would be accomplished. 



C FI A P T E R X III. 

THE RESULTS OF MANUFACTURING-. 

The effect of a general system of manufacturing in all countries 
has been to enhance the value of real estate, labor, and the pro- 
ducts of the soil. Ami I assert that the principle has been well 
established by political economy. That no country can attain to 
that prosperity which she is entitled to, which does not, by its own 



101 

labor, carry out its own productions, as nearly as practicable, to the 
point necessary to fit them for ultimate consumption, To export its 
raw material' and re-import the articles manufactured from it, or to 
neglect its own raw materials, and import the articles manufactured 
from that of another country, is to pretermit the means which nature 
has provided for its advancement. This principle applies to our 
Cotton growing States, particularly where the whole crop can and 
should be manufactured for ultimate consumption, in all its. various 
forms; as it can be done at a less cost per lb or yard, than it can be 
in any other State or country on the globe. * 

And I take this occasion to state that the grower of Cotton and 
the manufacturer of it, is engaged in the same pursuit, as the plan- 
ter begins a process which the manufacturer completes. Hence, 
they are joint laborers in the busiuess of furnishing clothing for the 
people. 

The manufacture of Cotton cloth is begun with the planting of 
the seed, it is carried to a certain point by the planter, and then 
taken up and perfected by the spinner and weaver. The planting 
States have added many millions to the annual wealth of the couutry 
by the culture of Cotton. By continuing the process they can 
quadruple that addition. When that proud time comes, as it will at 
no distant period, the planter will have a market for his crop, and 
the farmer will have, in like manner, a market for all of his surplus 
production at home. The power of consumption of not only Cotton 
and Breadstuff's, but every article useful and necessary in the feed- 
ing, clothing, housing, aud luxuries of man, would be vastly 
increased; for there would be those employed, as mechanics and 
other laborers, to supply the wants of those employed in manufac- 
turing, also carriers, Commission aud Forwarding Merchants, Bank- 
ers, Brokers &<5., for the producer and consumer would be brought 
together. In fact, all branches of productive industry would receive 
a stimulus never known in the South before, nor cannot be acquired 
without the introduction of manufacturing. 

The object most needed at this time by the planter, is a division 
of labor in the South, in order for him to realize what are his just 
dues on his capital and labor. A fact that speaks volumes on this 
point is the present high price of Cotton, which has been caused, in 
part, by withdrawing a portion of the labor from the Cotton fields and 
employing them on works of Internal Improvements. This hi.s 
caused a falling off in quantity, in part, of the present and previcus 
crops, and, 1 believe, if one fourth of the hands were taken from 
the Cotton fields, aud enplo\ed in Cotton Factories in the South, 



102 

tli-it the crop raised by the three-fourths of the present number 
would coin mam! as much money as the crop produced by the whole 
number now employed. I am sustained in my conclusions by facts 
in our commercial reports, and therefore assert that a crop of 8,000,- 
OJ0 bales of Co tan will oumisnl as much or more money than one 
of 8,5 0,000 bales, all things being equal in the civilized world. 
The reasons are conclusive to any one who will examine cause and 
effect. The admirable advice to his countrymen, of the great patriot 
and hero, Andrew Jackson, in his celebrated Coleman letter, (which 
deserves to be printed in letters of gold) in relation to the impor- 
tance of a division of labor in this country, which would create a 
home market and make ourselves independent at the same time of 
Foreign Nations etc., is at this time justly applicable to us in our rela- 
tions with many of the Northern States of the Union, whose cities 
are intermedling with the domestic institutions of the Cotton growing- 
States ; for self preservation is the first law of nature. I therefore 
insert Gen. Jackson's Coleman letter, as an argument in favor of 
the position taken by myself, believing, as I do, that all who knew 
him believed that his country's interest was next in importance, with 
him, to his God : 

Extract of a letter from Andrew Jackson to Dr. L. II Colcmcn), of 

Wasliingion, North Carolina. 

Washington City, April 26, 1824. 

"Heaven smiled upon and gave us liberty and independence. 
That same Providence has blessed us with the means of national 
independence and national defence. If we omit or refuse to use the 
gifts which He has extended to us, we deserve not the continuation 
of His blessing. He has filled our mountains and our plains with 
minerals — with lead, iron, and copper — and uiven us a climate and 
soil for the growing of hemp and wool. These being the treat 
materials of our national defence, they ought to have extended to 
them adequate and fair protection j that our manufacturers and 
laborers may be placed in a fair competition with those of Europe, 
and that we may have within our country a supply of those leading 
and important articles so essential in war. 

" I will ask, what is the real situation of the agriculturist ? 
Where has the American farmer a market for surplus produce? 
Except for cotton, he has neither a foreign nor a home market. 
Does not this clearly prove, when there is no market either at home 
or abroad, that there is too much labor employed in agriculture ? 
Common sense at once points out the remedy. Take from agricul- 



1C3 

tare in the United States six hundred thousand men, women, and 
children, and you will at once give a market for more breadstuff's than 
all Europe now furnishes us. In short, sir, we have been too long 
subject to the policy of British merchants.. It is time we should 
become a little more Americanized, and instead of feeding paupers 
and laborers of England, feed our own ; or else in a short time, by 
continuing our present policy, we shall all be rendered paupers our- 
selves. It is therefore my opinion that a careful and judicious tariir 
is much wanted to pay our national debt, and to afford us the means 
of that defence within ourselves on which the safety of our country 
and liberty depends; and last, though not least, give a proper dis- 
tribution to our labor, which must prove beneficial to the happiness, 
independence and wealth of the community. 

I am, sir, very respectfully, 

Your most obedient servant, 

ANDREW JACKSON. 

To show the effect on a single county, of a division of labor, I 
have selected that of Philadelphia, Pa., where they had in operation 
in 1850, not less than three hundred steam engines. The following- 
statement, showing the capital invested in manufacturing, the value 
of the raw material consumed, the number of hands employed, the 
amount of the wages paid per annum, and the value of the annual 
products of this branch of industry, for the year ending June 1850. 
These facts are taken from the census returns of A. E. lloberts, 
Marshal of the eastern district of Pennsylvania: 

Capital invested in manufacturing, 832,737,911 

The value of the raw materials consumed, including 

fuel, 33,515,360 

The average number of male hands employ- 
ed, 43,304 

The average number of female hands employ- 
ed, 14,804 



The total average number employed, 58,108 

The average annual wages of the male hands, 12,753,588 

The average annual wages of the female hands, 2,503,008 

The value of the annual products, $62,8 1 c, 011 

These estimates embrace only those establishments producing arti- 
cles to the value of $500 and over, per annum. By making the 
calculation as to the per cent on the capital invested i:i manufactur- 
ing in Philadelphia, we have no correct data to be governed, but it 



104 

will not vary hv if we allow ten per cent on the capital fur contin- 
gent expenses, and the wear or the machinery and property which is 
on $32,737,911-10 — $3,278,791. and allowing ten' per cent on the 
amount of the annual products to cover the expenses of sales, 
which is on £02,815,011-10— $ >,28L50l. These sums added to 
the current expenses makes a total of $58 327,251, as the gross 
expenses per annum and deducted from the gross products of $62,- 
815,011, leaves the sum of $-1,487,757, as the net earnings on the 
capital invested, and nearly 14 per cent per annum. 

Can it be doubted by any one that is acquainted with the business 
of Philadelphia, to question the influence of that vast amount of 
capital and labor employed in the business of manufacturing, on trie 
prosperity of the finest city on our Continent. I claim that the peo- 
ple of the South have far superior advantages for successful manu- 
facturing, than those of Philadelphia, and that a division of labor 
with lis would produce the same beneficial results as it has in the 
Northern States, for like causes produce like effects. And I subjoin 
the following article from the Memphis Ecojle & Enquirer, and 
hope that the suggestion will be appreciated by the people of the 
South generally, for. they are applicable to many of our towns and 
cities : 

THE ELEMENTS OF ffflE GROWTH OF CITIES. 

"The most cursory observer cannot fail to perceive that while 
some of the cities of our Union are rapidly augmenting their wealth 
and increasing their population, others lay behind in their develop- 
ment, and do not justify the anticipations of those who look at their 
commercial and industrial position, considered geographically and 
w r ith reference to climate and the production of the earth in their 
vicinities. 

The prosperity of inland cities depends in a great measure upon 
the products of industry of which they are made the exchanges. 
In the wake of commerce, manufactures, metallurgical operations, 
agriculture and artisans!) ip always are to be found. None of their 
products of art are likely to be developed unless there is a demand 
for them, and therefore, those cities alone which can command a 
trade, not only with their own, but with contiguous and even remote 
States are prepared to move onward in a career of prosperity. 

Prosperous cities must be able to centre in themselves articles 
for which there is a demand from abroad. The mere local trade of 
a city is not sufficient to draw such articles to itself. If it only con- 
trols such articles as may be necessary for home consumption, it 






may remain stationary, but it can not advance. To advance ft must- 
become a depot of all kinda of merchandize and the more various 
those kinds the better for Its advancement. 

This being' the case, we may easily perceive why cities which fos- 
ter only one particular branch have vicissitudes in their progress, ^pd 
are subject to industrial alternation. A city which depends solely 
upon a manufacturing interest in its vicinity for its trade, is affected 
by the fluctuations of that manufacturing interest, as so of a citv 
depending mainly on agriculture, iu reference to that interest. 
Many cities, on the seaboard depend mainly upon their commerce, 
but with the products of that commerce they control the produc- 
tions of the interior of their country and become the exporters of 
tho^e productions. 

Inland cities cannot have, to any great extent, a direct foreign 
commerce. It is therefore their policy to develope the industrial 
interests of the regiou in their vicinity, and especially to encourage 
manufacturers and artisanship, as well as agriculture. If an inland 
city would augment its wealth it must offer encouragement to arti- 
sans, and make itself interested in the" disposal and exportation of 
the products of artisanship, the community in which these avoca- 
tions are carried on is always prosperous. They always reuder an 
equivalent for the support which they obtain from society and every 
effort which they make adds to the material wealth of the commu- 
nity. To the extent of that they are consumers, they create a 
demand for the products of the soil, and their trades consume much 
raw material, which gives additional activity to agriculture and min- 
ing. 

The South has never given the attention to manufacture which its 
resources demand. It is much easier and would be much more remu- 
nerative for this section of the country, to manufacture its raw mate- 
rial before exportation, than to export the lave material and have it 
manufactured in remote regions. The great staple of the South — 
cotton-— employs millions of hands in manfacturing, both iu the 
Northern States of the Union and in Europe; and we, forming a 
portion of the ultimate consumers of the goods manufactured from 
the coftou plant, are charged with the freight of the raw material to 
the place of manufacture, the profits of the manufacturer and the 
merchant, and the freight and expenses of the transmission of the 
manufactured article back to our region of the country, before we 
can avail ourselves of the fabrics manufactured from our great 
staple. 

The trouble with our Western cities has always been that they 



106 

have suffered themselves to be dictated to in matters of fashion by 
the East and by Europe. There is such a penchant for Eastern man- 
ufactured and European manufactured articles, that we overlook the 
merits of our own artisans and manufacturers. With the ladies 
esrJfc/ially, fabrics possess no value unless they come from abroad, 
and the further from home the better. If from the Indies, products 
possess a remarkable value in their eyes. The productions of 
France, Italy, Germany, and England are next sought for. If they 
consent to use or wear American products, they must come from 
remote cities of the Union, and their value diminishes in the inverse 
ratio of the distance whence they are brought. 

This tendency, common every where, and upheld by fashion and 
not by any true taste, has the effect to discourage home manufactur- 
ers and domestic artisanship, while it takes away from our people the 
means to support the extravagance which it engenders. We make 
and keep ourselves poor all our lives by thus diminishing our means, 
while we arc cultivating tastes which have no other merit than that 
of being expensive. 

Our artisans, in the various branches which they prosecute, are 
not much, if any, in tlio rear of those who produce the products 
elsewhere; and if we would only rectify our tastes and encourage 
their efforts they would soon surpass any rivals in their peculiar 
trades. As artisanship improved, we should be able to control at 
least one share of the trade for the products of artisanship at the 
river cities and towns and inland, from the Mississippi river. But 
iu order to attain this standing, our mechanics must first get the 
home market, and it is our duty, as well as our interest, to use every 
article of home manufacture which can conduce to our comfort to 
meet our necessities rather than procure it from abroad. 

If such a spirit could be inaugurated among our people, but a 
very short time would elapse before manufactures, upon an extensive 
scale would spring up among us. Other cities have profited by the 
suggestions we make, and Memphis ought not to neglect the emula- 
tion of their policy. When the mechanical branches of a city flour- N 
ish, they communicate an activity to all the other interests. The 
landlord obtains more rent, the agriculturist meets with a greater 
demand for his produce and the disposal of the products of artisan- 
ship sets the wheels of commerce in motion and makes busiuess f r 
the merchants. Thus all are concerned in the development of the 
mechanical interests, for by fostering these we augment, both directly 
and indirectly, the material wealth of the community. 

Neither in this nor in any other city of which we have any knowl- 









107 

ledge, Have the banking Institutions aided the mechanics to an extent 
commensurate with their importance. Like all other men engaged 
in business, mechanics arc frequently in want of facilities to prose- 
cute favorably their enterprises. They do not need nor demand 
large loans; but the small amounts which they require are essential 
to their prosperity and could be safely dispensed by the banks. The 
banks, as much as any one else, are interested in the business of the 
locality where they are situated; and were they to do their duty to 
the artisans, they would help, materially, tj promote the prosperity 
of the city, while their loans to this class would be quite as safe as 
not to say, more safe than any other loans which they can make 
May we not ask a calm consideration of the suggestions which we 
have hastily thrown out? We arc sure that their adoption would 
materially benefit our city, and we think our readers will agree with 
us if they will take the trouble to reflect upon the mattter." 

To sustain these positions, we submit the following concise state- 
ments, showing the causes of the growth and progress of the several 
cities and towns respectively mentioned; which I take from a pam- 
phlet published by the American Cannel Coal Company, of Cannel- 
ton, Indiana, and written by Hamilton Smith, Esq., of Louisville, 
Kentucky : 

Birmingham., England. — This city, in 1801 had a population of 
73,070; in 1831 of 140,980; in 1830 an estimated population of 
190,000, and at the present time of probably not less than 250,000. 
Its opulence, celebrity, and magnitude, are ascribable to the iron, 
stone, and coal, with which the district abouuds. 

Bolton, England. — The rapid growth and prosperity of this town 
dates from 1770-80. Its population in 1773 was 5,004; in 1801 
18,583; in 1811 25,551; in 1821 32,973 ; iu 1831 43,397. It is 
a seat of cotton manufacture and the birth-place of Arkwright. Its 
growth is attributed to its command of coal, being situated iu a coal 
district. 

Bradford, England. — Township consists of 1G80 aeres; popula- 
tion iu 1801 0,393; in 1821 13,004; in 1831 no less than 23,233, 
and siuce that period has increased still more rapidly. Its growth is 
owing to its manufactures which are facilitated by its unlimited 
command of coal, and its abundance of iron. 

Burnley, England. — Populatiou iu 1801 3,305; in 1821 0,378; 
in 1841 54,192. A manufacturing town. Cause of growth : abun- 
dance and cheapness of coal found in the vicinity, with a good sup- 
ply of free-stone, slatfc, &S. The town is built mostly of free-stone. 
O 



188 

Lury, England. — A Inrgg manufacturing town, consist nig of 
4,300 acres. Population hi 1821 13,480; in 1841 77,496. In the 
parish of the same name and which includes this town are extensive 
quarries of building stone, and nine wrought coal mines. 

Carlisle, England. — A manufacturing town; supplied with coal 
from places varying from 12 to 20 miles distant. Population in 1801 
10,221; in 1821 }5,4SG; in 1841 36,084. 

Charlcroy.—kn important manufacturing town in Belgium, situ- 
ated in the great coal basin of Charleroy. In 1S3G it had 72 mines 
in active operation, producing 900,000 tons of coal per annum- 
Iron abounds and also quarries of marble and slate. Its furnaces 
give employment to 3,000 men, and during the winter season 4,000 
men are employed in making nails. Its coal, iron, and stone have 
mad j it what it is. 

Derby, England. — A rnanTifacturing toivn with both water-power 
and coal. Population in 1841 35,015; in 1811 it was only 13,043. 

Durham, England. — In 1821 this city had a population of 10,- 
282; in 1831 only 10,520. About this time extensive colleries 
were opened, and population immediately increased, so that in 1840 
the number of its inhabitants was put down at 40,000. Previous 
to this it was one of the dullest cities in the kiogdotnj stone, lime, 
coal, and iron abouud. 

lladdertfidd, England. — The township consists of 3,950 acres, 
and had a population in 1801 of 7,208; in 1831 of 19,035. Tho 
population of the parish in 1840 was estimated at 40,000. It is one 
of the principal seats of the woollen manufacture, and stands in the 
midst of a rich coal Held. There is also an ample supply of water 
power. 

Johnston, Scotland.— The rise of this town has been more rapid 
than any other town in Scotland. The ground on which it stands 
began, for the first time, to be feud, or let, on building leases in 
1781, when it contained only ten persons. Its population in 1840 
is set down at 7,000. Its growth is owing to the introduction of 
manufactures, it being situated on a fine water v>ower. It has sev- 
eral foundries and machine shops, and near the town are four collie- 
ries. 

Leeds, Etvpand. — -A celebrated manufacturing town, and the. 
great centre of the woollen cloth trade. Population of tho town \\\ 
1831 71,002. Its eminence is owing, partly, to its advantageous 
situation in a fertile country, intersected with rivers, and partly to 
its possessing inexhaustible beds of coal. 

Leigh, England- — A manufacturing town, with a population, m 



109 

1841 of 22,22.). In 1834, according to Mr. Baines, upwards of 
8,000 persons were employed in spinning and weaving cotton and 
frilk, both by hand and power looms. Its industry and growth is 
promoted by its abundance of coal and lime. 

Lowell^ Massachusetts.— Population 1820 200; at the present 
time 35,000. Cause of growth its great water power. 

Lawrence, Massachusetts.—- -Present population 7,500. Four or 
five years ago it was but a school district. Its water wheels have 
graded streets, and lined these with splendid edifices on alluvial 
land so poor that it would not average a crop of 15 bushels of corn 
to the acre without artificial enrichment. 

Manchester, Mew Hampshire. — In 1835 was a small hamlet; in 

1840 a few mills had increased it to 3,000 ; it is said to contain now 
about 17,000 souls. Although it is in a hilly and barren country, 
and receives its materials and sends its products over about GO miles 
of railroad, it is still growing with rapidity because it has the motive 
power of the Merrimac. 

Manchester, England. —The great center of the cotton manufac- 
ture in Great Britain, and the principal manufacturing town in the 
world. Manchester and Salford are seperated by the small river 
Irwell, and form one town, covering 3,000 acres. The population 
of the town and suburbs, including Salford, in 1S01, was 95,313; 
in 1831 239,388; and in 1841 was estimated at 360,000. Manu- 
facturing has made Mauchester. The steam engine, with other 
improved machines for working up cotton, have made its manufac- 
tures, and the coal from the inexhaustible coal field, on the edge of 
which the city is situated, has fed the engine. Hence the modern 
growth of Manchester is ascribable to its coal. 

Merthyr-Tydcil, S. Water— Population 27,460 in 1831; in 

1841 34,977. It is remarkable for its iron works, and is wholly 
indebted for its prosperity to its rich mines of coal, iron-ore, and 
lime-stone. Towards the middle of the last century it was an iasig- 
uificant village, and in 1755 the lands and mines for several miles 
around the village, the seat of the great works now erected, were let 
for 99 years for £200 a year. 

Xewcadle-Upon-Tijne.— Vocation in 1831 53,613; in 1841 
estimated at 65,000. It owes its importance, if not its existence, to 
tts convenient situation as a place of shipment for the coal wrought 
in its neighborhood. 

Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. — The population of Pittsburg for each 
decenary period from 1800 was 1,565; 4,7G8; 7,218; 12,542; 21,- 
115. Wifek its dypendene-es it has a pr&ssut population of abeu-t 
ft2 



110 

100,000. And although it has lost the greater part of its transpor- 
tation and commercial business, it is now growing more rapidly than 
ever. The copper ore of Lake Superior; the lead of Illinois ; the 
wheat of Michigan; the cotton of Tennessee; and even the iron 
and sand of Missouri are transported to and combined by the power 
that lies in the Pittsburg coal. 

Oldham, England. — A large manufacturing town, chiefly cotton ■. 
Population in 1841 42,595. In 1760 it comprised only about 60 
thatched tenements. In 1839 it had 200 manufactories, set in 
motion by a steam power equal to 2,942 horses, and employing 15,- 
391 hands. It has an abundant and immediate supply of excellent 
eoal. 

Rochester, New York.— Population in 1820 1.502; in 1830 
9,269; in 1840 20,191. It owes its great advantages and rapid 
growth to its vast water power, created by the falls in the Genue-s- 
see river. 

Sheffield, England. — ^Toted for its hardware, cutlery, &c. Popu- 
lation of the parish iu 1801 45,755; in 1831 91,692; and in 1841 
110,801. Its manufactures arc extensive and known the world oven 
Coal and iron have made the city. 

Wolverhampton, England. — This town, or rather the district, 
including the town, comprises 16,630 acres. Its population in 1831 
was 67,514. In 1841 the population of the town alone was 36,189. 
Wolverhampton, and the places in its vicinity, owe their rapid rise 
to the mines of coal and iron-stone. 

Other illustrations, such as Pottsville, Cumberland, Wheeling, 
Pomerey, &c, &c, might be adduced, but those already given are 
believed to be sufficient to indicate the tendency of men at the pres- 
ent time, to cluster around and to build their homes in such locali- 
ties as afford them the great staples and materials upon which they 
may bestow their labor, and for which they may receive the largest 
rates of compensation. 



Ill 



CIIAPTEK XIV. 

A Patent 

BY GEOEGE G. HENRY; 
For Manufacturing Y t arns in Gin Houses! The Machinery 
propelled by mule power. and attended by small chil- 
dren, old crippled negroes, and by women who are not 
in a condition to work out ! ! 

An imposing "humbug" to which the above caption would be 
most appropriate, has made its appearance in the South. The press 
has welcomed it with many flattering notices, being induced to do so 
by the representations of the patentee, as to the great practicability 
of his patent; and by these representations being taken, in advance, 
as true, Mr. Henry has thus created a favorable public opiniou. 
As it is very important that those who are about to engage in 
manufacturing, should do so upon a correct basis, and believing 
that Henry s Patent is a humbug, and that those planters who have 
been induced to give it a trial, will be disgusted by a failure, and 
that thus the Southern move in favor of manufacturing may be 
retarded, I deem it proper to examine Mr. Henry's "Exposition," 
(in which he gives the merits and advantages of his patent. I will 
eudeavor to do this carefully and fairly. Let it be understood that 
in pronouncing this patent a humbug, that I cast no reflections upon 
the honesty of the patentee, as he is, most certainly, insane upon 
the subject of his supposed improvement. In order that we may 
more correctly understand what Mr. Henry promises to accomplish, 
by the adoption of his patent, (which he presumes will bring about 
a great revolution in the South, and will break down and surmount 
all opposing difficulties) I will seperately examine the important 
points made in his "exposition/' and give my views upon each, tak- 
ing issue where I think he is wrong, and most cheerfully assenting 
where he is right. But I acknowledge it is somewhat difficult for 
me to get my courage up to the "sticking point ;" for if I may not 
be silenced by the most appalling denunciations, I may be somewhat 
awed by the approach of this bloodless revolution, to be inaugurated 
by his patent, a revolution whose every "step is to be garlanded with 
gold, to be lighted by clusters of glittering diamonds, and to be redo- 
lent with perfumes of never dying laurels. " All this might awe 
uie into silence, if I did not sincerely believe that a great fraud, dis* 



112 

guised by the "sug&r coating'' of Patent was now about to bo 
palmed off upon a confiding and unsuspecting people. 

In the first place, let us ascertain whether or not this patent will 
be of any real practical use. The mere fact that a machine U 
patented, does not, of itself, add to its intrinsic value; but in order 
to possess superior claims, and to be able to supersede machines 
already in use, it should be able to accomplish one or more of these 
results, viz : 

1st, To produce, in a specified time, with less labor, a given 
amount of work of the same quality. 

2nd. To produce a greater quantity of work, in a given time, the 
labor and quality remaining the same. 

3rd. To produce work of a superior quality, in the tame time, the 
labor and quantity remaining the same. 

The value of the machine depending on the labor saved, the addi- 
tional quantity produced, or the improved quality of the production, 
it is my purpose to show that the patent under review, does not give 
to the planter any new or additional advantages. Mr. Heury says — 

My Patent 

Is for an improvement in the manufacture of Cotton Yarns effected 
by a new combination and arrangement of machinery adapted and 
so modified as to convert two manufactures into one, those of Gin- 
ning and Spinning, by which I manufacture Seed Cotton into Yarn* 
of every size and exclude several machines now used in the exist- 
ing process, as seperate ones, and which to them are indispensable, 
excluding rooms and by the thus excluding those machines, rooms, 
&c.j I save the labor of attending these machines, the power required 
to move them, the injury imposed on the fibre by their operation*, 
with a great saving of factory waste, resulting in altogether superior 
Yarn and making the capital, locations, rooms, power and labor that 
now produces and gins, to also spin it. 

It specifies, I may adopt any gin and any spinning machinery, we 
may prefer to arrange in the combination to take the Cotton from 
the gin, or through "the preparation" and spin it into Yarns by a 
continuous process. 

Ilence whosever make of gins the planter prefers I can have 
modified and take into my combination. 

And I may also, and shall order for them the most approved 
spinning machinery of the day, and will be ready and willing to 
adopt any ascertained improvement, which may be hereafter devised 
or invented, in any of the machines of the spinning series." 

And in regard to the improvement, 3ir, Henry says — 



113 

''•In ttrtiidifyiug the machines io produce Yarn from Seed Cotton, 
I uiust beg you clearly to observe (that you may understand) we 
have ho mechanical difficulty to overcome we have simply to make the 
gin itse!f form a lap, or that it shall form the lint into a sheet to be 
taken into and through the Spreader and beater, from whence it 
always comes out in lamina." 

From the above, it will be perceived that the patentee's claim is 
the connection of a gin and lap machine, by which means a lap is 
produced direct from the gin. I do not doubt the result of the com- 
bination, but do deny the practicability of its operation ; for the 
reason that a gin does not discharge the lint from the saws regularly, 
not even through the width of the gin flue, hence the lap would be 
irregular and the Yarns produced uneven. 

The patentee claims that his improvement excludes several 
machines used in the present mode of manufacturing, and also room, 
power, and labor, consequently prevents the injury inflicted on the 
lint by these machines; this, so far as it relates to bale cotton, it is 
partially true, but so far as it relates to planters who manufacture 
their Seed Cotton, it is not true, except a room for the lint Cotton. 

And the assertion that the capital, power and labor that produce 
the Cotton, would also spin it, is wholly untrue. 

And my proof for the above conclusions are, that a planter who 
produces three hundred bales of Cotton, and desires to manufacture 
it into Yarns or fabrics, on his own plantation, he can do so without 
Henry's Humbvg, Let him put his gin into the lap room of his 
Factory, and it would answer to the "Willow Picker" or "Devil" in 
a Mill that uses bale Cotton. The Cotton to be taken from the lint 
room of the gin, as it is taken from the lint room of the "Willow/' 
and spread even on the apron of the "Spreader." This mode is now 
practiced in Factories in Tennessee, where the Cotton can be pro- 
cured in the seel. For I have operated a Mill of 40 looms where 
we used Seed Cotton altogether. By this method the Cotton is not 
pressed, as it is used up as fast as ginned ; and it is in as good a con- 
dition as it would be if conveyed direct to the feed rollers of the 
'•Spreader" or lap machine. The lap machine used need have but 
one beater, the Cotton being in a loose condition ; and one hand, 
such as an ordinary ginner, can attend the gin and lap machine, 
useiug that amount of Cotton. The waste made would not exceed 
the amount caused by Henry's process ; and the labor, power, and 
injury to the lint, would not be any more. Hence the productions 
would be as great, cheap, and equal in quality, even if Henry's 
machine did what he represents it to do, which I deny. 



114 

To manufacture Yarns on a plantation, would require machinery 
not needed or used in the production of Cotton. Hence, a planter 
making Yarns, would be required to make an additional expenditure 
for the necessary machinery for carding and spinning his crop of 
Cotton, after it passed through Henry's gin and lap machine. To 
card and spin a crop of Cotton, after being ginned, would require 
additional labor, beyond its production. And to card and spin a 
crop of Cotton by machinery, would require an additional power 
beyond what it took to gin it; therefore the same capital, labor and 
'power required to grow and gin a crop of Cotton, would not manu- 
facture it; unless, indeed, Mr. Henry is possessed of a creatiTO 
power, and has imparted it to his wonderful discovery. Does Mr. 
II. profess to have this power? 

What Mr. Henry has said under the several heads, viz : Waste 
mid Superiority — Peculiar Nature and Characteristics of Cotton — 
Process and Machinery vsed to Gin and Pick Cotton — The Pick- 
ing Room — Fire by Friction — The .DjvU, Picker, or Willow — 
Lap, or Spreader and Beater — and Cards, is not important in the 
examination of this question, from the fact that a planter who may 
be desirous of converting his crop of Seed Cotton into Yarns or 
fabrics, would be relieved of all the objections pointed out, without 
<.ver resorting to Henry's Patent. Notwithstanding, he labors hard 
to impress the reader with the idea that his invention could alone 
avoid them. 

On page 8 Mr. Henry says — 

My Machinery. 

"I use a gin as a preparation carder, with a lap constructed to it. 
or a lap maohine in connection. 

Carders, railway and drawing-head, or if one or a few only are 
wanted, omit the railway. 

Drawing-frames; speeders, or roving-frames; spinning-frames ) 
jssel and yarn -press. 

Arranging this machinery together, and banded and geared to a 
ehaft which gives it motion, it operates singly or altogether when set 
in motion by the power, as is the case in the factory/' 

Here he wishes to make the impression that he has converted the 
Gin into a card. We might, with the same propriety, connect a 
'•DaviP' or "Willow" with a lap machine, and call it a preparation 
carder; because the connection of the lap machine would have no 
more effect on the lint Cotton discharged from a Gin, than it would 
if connected with a "Willow." 

It will be seen, at qnce, that this is all that is claimed by the 



115 

patentee, for the manufacture of improved Yarns ; as there is no 
claim on any other machino, in ^the series, all being the same as in 
Factories generally. 

I pass over what he says under the heads of '-Spinning Room," 
"Xew principles in the action of Spinning Machinery on the plan- 
tation," "Risk by fire," "Freights" Cost of Machinery," and "Spin- 
ning six months or the year round." All this has nothing to do 
with the utility of Henry's Patent. I come now to the subject of 
operatives; one of the greatest importance to all who are about to 
engage in manufacturing. 

Operatives. 

"The number and quality of the operatives — as they are not 
hands — wanted for a few planters of different denominations, I will 
give, which will furnish an estimate to larger or less planters. 

A planter of one hundred bales will want for the Gin and Lap 
machine such a hand as his ginner is. 

To the Carder, a boy of fourteen to sixteen, or an elderly negro 
w crippled man. 

To the Drawing Frame, one girl ten to twelve years old. 

To the Speeder or Iloving Frame, a girl ten to twelve years old. 

To the Spinniug Frames, three girls of from eight to twelve years 
old. 

To the Reels, three old women, or three whose condition prevents 
their working out, or old crippled men. 

As the yarns are placed directly on the paper and baling, to be 
packed as soon as the necessary quantity is taken to the press, do 
packer is wanted. 

A planter making three hundred bales will only want, in addition 
to the above two little girls of eight to twelve, to the Spinning 
Frames, and perhaps two to the reels of the sort named for that pur- 
pose. In proportion, the number and kind of operatives are slightly 
increased for larger planters, but chiefly in the smaller ones for th$ 
Spinning Frames and those for the reels. 

It may be properly remarked here that a Spinner informs me that, 
in one week they can be learned to do the work; and after they pet 
some experience, rather fewer will be necessary than the number we 
started with. 

I know no planter who has not more of the force described, on 
his premises, that are not employed from their age or condition in 
making the crops, than will be sufficient to spin it into yarns. M\ 
for the first year or two, he put some there whom he wishes, from 
long service, to rest, it will be readily seen that he can, from th& 



116 

gTeat increase of his income, afford to use some of his rapidly accu- 
mulating surplus in the purchase or hire of others.'' 

Mr. II. says operatives are not hand?. I most cheerfully endorse 
that proposition ; and will go a step farther, and -will assert that those 
described by him, cannot be really operatives. Whoever attempts 
to manufacture yarns with such, will bo sadly disappointed. For 
the proof of this I appeal to any practical man. 

Mr. Henry says "that a spinner informed me that they could be 
learned the work in a week." Does not that show the ignorance of 
>Ir. II. about manufacturing, and that his statements should be 
received with caution 1 Mark it, you planters who have been so elat- 
ed by tills inventor Henry. For my views on the subject of opera- 
tives I refer to chapter VII. Passing several unimportant heads, I 
t»ome to one of the greatest moment, viz : costs. Mr. H. says — 

My Terms. 

"I contemplate, as my terms will show, to devote myself to all 
the details of my improvement, in ail of its branches. I am willing 
to contract on this basis, with planters: To receive from them or 
their factors, on the first of January of each year, for the first five 
years, 

One-fourth of the excess — the yarns bring over 'he price of cot- 
ton. 1, on my part, dispose of the privilege to them to spin a 
specific quantity per ayinum; and if the planter increases his 
planting interest, by purchase or otherwise, for his new interest a 
new contract for the addition to be made. The propriety of this is 
indicated by the nature of the improvement. 

Now bear in mind, that Mr. Henry, in his "Exposition," and in 
his news-paper articles, has endeavored to impress the public mind, 
with the idea that he was seeking the prosperity of the planter, and 
that his Patent was not intended for the promotion of his own per- 
sonal interests. In order that the public may rightly appreciate 
such great benevolence, I will attempt an analysis of the above 
4 'terms." 

"He is willing to devote himself to all the details of his improve* 
merit," for "one-fourth of the excess the Yarns bring over the price 
of Cotton." Henry states that "Yarns bring an average of 150 per 
cent above the price of Cotton." 

To understand this properly, we will suppose that a planter, who 
makes 300 bales of Cotton, contracts with Henry for the use of his 
Patent on the terms he demands, what will the planter pay for the 
privilege of the machine? The BOO bales, weighing 500 lbs. each, 
dquail 150,000 lbs. Allowing the average price of Cotton to be 11 






117 

cents per lb., it would amount to $10,500. We will allow 12 £ per 
oent for waste on the gross amount, in its manufacture. The plan- 
ter would then have 131,250 lbs. of Yarns. If the price was 150 
per cent above the value of the Cotton, it would be 271 cents per 
lb. ; making his income $36,093 75. From the gross receipts we 
deduct the value of the planter's crop, which would leave the sum < f 
•519,593 75, one-fourth of which goes to the patentee, Henry, which 
is per annum $4,898 431, and for the five years §24,492 18;;. 
(This sum might buy Henry a small plantation.) And I will here 
state, that such a planter could manufacture his crop of Seed Cotton, 
with machinery, costing no more, requiring less labor, and making 
a better quality of Yarns; and which would do better without Hen- 
ry's Patented Machine, than with it. 

But let us pursue this enquiry a little farther, by supposing that 
one half of our planters were to contract with Henry to use his 
machine in the manufacture of their Cotton. What would the man 
of humbugs receive from them ? according to his own statements. 
Our Cotton crop will average not less than 3,000,000 bales per 
annum, one half being 1,500,000 bales and weighing 500 lbs. 
each, equal to 750,000,000 lbs.; and at 11 cents per lb. $82,500,- 
000, allowing 12| per cent for waste in its manufacture. The quan- 
tity of Yarns would be 656,250,000, lbs., and at 27 £ cents per lb. 
$180,468,750; one fourth of it being 845,117,187 50; and for the 
five years, amounts to the small sum of $225,585,937 50. This 
sum might be sufficient to purchase a small plantation, stock and 
negroes. 

Now 1 ask in all candor, if any man cannot see into this scheme 
of Humbuggery? Patents are sometimes deceptive. I believe nine 
in every ten are humbugs, and that Henry's is one of the nine. 

We come now to the closing scene of this most wonderful produc- 
tion : 

Personal. 

" It will doubtless occur to reflecting planters, that, from my con- 
ception of this invention, I must have been fully aware of its impor- 
tance; and it will, therefore, suggest itself to them, that, having 
been fully impressed with it, to demonstrate its practicability, must 
have cost me incessant mental and physical labor. Possessed of the 
mental conception to devise the mode of effecting the valuable result 
has eutirely absorbed me, to the utter exclusion and sacrifice of 
important interests I had pending. 

These remarks, to those who know my natural disj osition and 
temperament, are due, as an apology for myself and perhaps to 
tli em. 



118 

Whatever may Le the crude impressions of man}', as to the 
results of the improvement I have endeavored to illustrate in the 
foregoing. 1 aiM positive it inaugurates for the South the most stu- 
pendous 

Revolution 

ever known in histor}'. Inventions which have gradually caused 
important ameliorations and benefits to the commonwealth, have been 
hailed with due satisfaction ; but here is one that will develop itself 
with an energy and celerity never before realized. 

Revolution did I say? This word recalls to the minds of the sen- 
sitive, reminiscences of sadness of even those most successful ! In 
the dawn of revolutions, there have always been those whose consti- 
tutional formation and instincts impelled their craven spirits to 
attempt arguments to crush the patriot spirit, and if possible to 
strangle the embryo giant, in its throes for a propitious birth. Such 
there were in 1776. They saw in the gloomy vista before them the 
pouring out of countless treasure; that it must be drenched in the 
blood of the wounded and slain ; and that it must be bathed in the 
tears of the widow and the orphan. Some apology with this picture 
affrighted their cowardly fancies will be awarded them, though they 
have been unable to efface the deeply branded stigma that has mark- 
ed them ; but what would be the fate due the wretch who would 
r:tise his puny voice against this I 

Here is a revolution without a terror ! Viewed in all its aspects, 
all are concerned in its early and happy achievement. No widows' 
or orphans' tears command our sympathy • no battlefields drenched in 
1 lood excite our nerves; but it is a civic revolution, in which every 
fctep is garlanded with gold; every step is lighted with clusters of 
glittering diamonds; and every step is redolent with the perfumes 
of never dying laurels." 

This is rich indeed. If Ilenr}' is not demented, why then Bar- 
num must yield the palm ; for Henry's claims are not to be over- 
looked. 

In conclusion, I most respectfully propose a division of time with 
the gentleman who possessed the "mental conception" to devise a 
midline that promises to accomplish the bloodless revolution des- 
cribed by him, when he shall visit the principal towns and cities of 
the South, to advocate the advantages and meriis of his Patent Ghi 
and Lap Machine. Oir people are democratic and woull greitly 
prefer to hear both sides of the story. 



119 
NOTE FIEST. 

The estimates in this Book were made in 1855-6, and Were based on the 
then ruling rates for Cotton and Goods for those years: and I would tak.j 
this occasion to state, that as Cotton varies in price m> does Staple Gcods 
Tary in the same ratio ; my est ; mates for Cotton being 9 cents per lb., and 8 
oz. Osnaburgs at 11 cents per yard, for 1855-0 ; but for 1857 Cotton averaged 
about 12 cents per lb., and 8 oz. Osnaburgs at about 12 cents per yard. 15/ 
making the comparison, we find no difference worthy of note ; for instance, 
in 1855-6 two yards of Osnaburgs weighing one lb., commanded in the mar- 
ket 22 cents per lb., and one lb. of Cotton 9 cents: by deducting the price of 
the Cotton from the value of the Goods we have 13 cents as the margin. 
, In 1857 two yards of Osnaburgs, weighing one lb., brought 25 cents in th ! 
market, and Cotton commanded 12 eents per lb., making the same difference 
of 13 cents as in the years of 1855-6, the cost of labor being the same in 
both instances. As' a general rule then, the value of Staple Goods depends 
on the price of raw material, and makes but little difference to a manufac- 
turer in the South, in relation to profits, as to whether Cotton is high or low, 
it only requiring a greater amount of capital when Cotton rules high. 



NOTE SECOND. 

Permit me to state a fact, and one that I challenge any one to contradict 
by facts, and would therefore call the attention of planters, and others inter- 
ested in the introduction of manufacturing in the South, to its correctness, 
Viz : 

A planter making 600 bales or more of Cotton per annum, situated 50 
miles from navigation, can manufacture his crop into Osnaburgs on his plan- 
tation if he has the necessary timber lands to supply fuel beyond the want« 
of his place, (or two or more planters adjoining each other who make as 
much as 600 bales of Cotton, that might form a copartnership tor manufac- 
turing their Seed Cotton) at a cost per yard not exceeding the cost of ginning, 
baleing, transportation, insurance, commissions, and other charges on the 600 
bales of Cotton from the time it leaves the gin house until it reaches a Fac- 
tory 50 miles from navigation in New England, and all the charges on the 
goods made out of the 600 bales of Cotton from the time it leaves the Fac- 
tory in New England until it is delivered to the retail merchant in the county 
town where the Cotton was grown. 

I mean by the above when the Cotton is shipped by the usual route, asd 
passes through the customary hands and comes back in like manner to the 
gouth. 



NOTE THIRD. 

The estimates for building Mills, in this Book, were based on the prices of 
Machinery and the ctst of building houses in 1850, and it is important, for 



H proper understanding of the question, to stoic that the prices of Machinery 
«nd buildings varies, and as much ho as other property , which i* caused by 
the fluctuations in the prices of Iron, labor &e. The location would havo in 
be taken into the account as the freights and land carriage if any would bo 
different for scperate locations, ami the total cost would also depend on the 
kind and number of machines used in the establishment, as nearly all Mill* 
diffar to suit the particular views of the proprietors, which are as various a* 
ttse opinions of Doctors* en any one disease. Therefore a man or a Company 
desiring to build a Cotton Mill, must have his estimates made with reference 
to all of the above points; and 1 would advise, in order to ascertain whether 
(here were means enough to carry out the design, that such estimates be 
obtained before making any expenditure, and the contract system, where it- 
sun be done, is far better for Companies, from many well known facts. Nine 
in ten Companies exceed their estimates from 2o to 50 per cent, in the tot,al 
oost of the Factories, which involves them in debt, and oftener than other- 
wise, causes a heavy loss to the Stockholders. Count the cost if you icozild la 



HOTE FOURTH. 

As T contemplate publishing another Book on the subject of Manufactur- 
ing, in which I hope to be able to givo an accurate estimate of tho cost of 
producing different grades of Cotton fabrics in the Southern States, New Eng- 
land and the European States, for labor, supplies, stock &c, per yard. And 
giving a general description of the machinery used, its speed and how arrang- 
ed in the Mill ; with the prices paid each class of operatives, mechanics, 
overseers &c. ; and the production per spindle and loom in a given time, and 
the natural advantages each possesses, with the disadvantages under which 
they labor; and I would therefore be under many obligations to any who 
"Will favor me with rxliable statistics or documents on the subjeet of mantis 
-Ikcturing, that might aid in arriving at correct views, and would also take 
great pleasure in answering any enquiries by manufacturers, planters and 
•*|yjrs, on the subject of manufacturing, machinery &o. 



121 



ADVERTISEMENTS, 

I take pleasure in referring the reader to the gentlemen whose advertise* 
Rients appear in this Book ; they -will do to deal with ; having had a trial, f 
can speak confidently. The Matteawan Machine Company, is one of the 
largest and oklest works in the Union, and possesses all of the advantages t® 
do work as cheap, and of as superior workmanship as any in the country. 

The Matteawan Company keep on hand, at their Depot, No, G2 Courtlandl 
Street New York, tools and findings to suit the wants of the trade. Samuel 
R. Schenck Agent. 

A. L. Ackekman, Esq., No. 163 Greenwich Street, New York, lias a stock 
of findings, tools, and Machinery of great attractions. 

P, F. GsjsjE, E-sq., Wellsville, Ohio, is one of the best Engine buildw* 
We,st of the Alleghany Mountains, and his prices for work are low. 

II. T. Ye ATM ax, Esq., Nashville, Tenn , is an old Commission Merchant, 
who is as well prepared and situated as any house in the city. 




$§^*" Tins Company having purchased the "Works of the late Matteawnn 
Company, are now prepared to take orders for the following Machinery, <•!*? 
which they beg to call the attention of purchasers : 

LOCOMOTIVE ENGINES OF EVERY SIZE AND PATTERN. 
Also, Tenders, Wheels, Axles, and other Railroad Machinery. 

Stationary Imagines, !5oISers, &c, 

Arranged for driving Cotton, Woolen, and other Mids. 

COTTON A K D W OLE N MA C III : MJ R T, 

Of every description, embodving all the Modern Improvement*. 

MILL GEEFUNG, 

From probably the most extensive assortment of Patterns in this line, 
in any section of the country. 

Tools, Turning Lathes, Slabbing", Planeing, Cutting and Drilling 

Together with all other Toots required in Machine Shops. 
Apply at the Works. Matteawan, Dutchess Co., N. Y.. one mile from $ie 
Depot Hudson River Railroad, Fishkill, two hours from N. Y.. City. 

SAMUEL B. SCHENCK, Asrent. 



IIEliti IKIimi DEPOT. 

02 COURTLANDT STREET, NEW YORK. 



WOODWORTH'S PLANINI1 MACHINES. 

STEAM ENGINES, COTTON AND WOOLEN MACHINERY, 

FLOUR, SAW AND SUGAR MILLS, 

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SAMUEL R. SCHENCK, Agent, 



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A. I,. ACKERJUATV, Proprietor, 

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OTIS PETTEE & CO., 

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COTTON AND TOBACCO PURCHASED TO ORDER, 



